Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders

Overview

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can cause problem that cause pain in your jaw joint as well as the muscles that manage the jaw movement. These medical condition may result in a number of problems, such as headaches, jaw pain, and trouble opening and closing your mouth. The TMJ connects your jawbone to your skull allows it to move during chewing or speaking.

Identifying the exact cause behind an individual’s TMJ disorder can frequently be challenging. There are several possible causes of your pain, including genetics, arthritis, and jaw injuries. While many people clench or grind their teeth frequently without ever developing TMJ disorders, some patients with jaw pain also have a tendency to clench or grind their teeth (bruxism).

TMJ disorders typically cause temporary pain and discomfort that can be treated self-care or with nonsurgical treatments. Though some patients with TMJ disorders may benefit from surgical therapy, surgery is usually reserved as a last resort when conservative treatments have failed.

Symptoms

The following signs and symptoms of TMJ disorders includes:

• Jaw pain or tenderness.
• TMJ pain.
• Pain around your ear.
• Difficulty chewing or pain while chewing
• Lock jaw, difficult to open or close the mouth.
• Popping or clicking sound of jaw.
• Headache or migraine.
• Tinnitus or ringing in the ears.
• Changes in the teeth formation, or malocclusion.

The patient may generally don’t require treatment for a TMJ disorder if your jaw clicking isn’t accompanied by any pain or movement restriction.

If you can’t fully open or close your jaw or if you have ongoing jaw pain or tenderness, seek medical attention. Possible causes and treatments for the problem might be discussed with your healthcare provider, dentist, or TMJ specialist.

Causes

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder arises from a multitude of factors or their interplay rather than stemming from a singular cause. This condition involves the intricate joint, which facilitates both sliding and hinge-like movements, with its interacting bone sections covered by cartilage and separated by a thin, shock-absorbing disk to ensure smooth operation.

The following cause may include:

• Injury to the jaw that cause fracture, dislocation, or moves out of its proper alignment.
• Joint arthritis that damage the cartilage.
• Malocclusion is the term used to describe when teeth don’t fit together perfectly.
• Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism).

Risk factors

The following factors may increase the likelihood of having TMJ disorders:

• Different kinds of arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Jaw injury.
• Particular conditions of connective tissue that might lead to issues affecting the temporomandibular joint.
• Prolonged teeth clenching or grinding.