What is TMJ?
TMJ is short for temporomandibular joint. It is a hinge joint, connecting the jawbone (also called the mandible) to the temporal bone (present in the skull). There are two joints present on the two sides of the jaw. This joint facilitates smooth jaw movements, including the opening and closing of the lower jaw, speaking, and chewing. Disorders of this joint lead to difficulty in day-to-day activities, which are known as TMJ disorders.
Although it is hard to pinpoint the exact reason for the disorder, it might be due to multiple factors. Habits such as biting of nails, chewing of gum, and even excessive stress might lead to such disorders. Hormonal factors might also cause TMJ disorders.
In the majority of cases, the cramps and irritation ease out in a short period of time by maintaining oral care, doing a few exercises, and undergoing physiotherapy. In much more severe cases, surgery might be the only option.
Causes Of TMJ Disorders
Temporomandibular joint disorders may be caused by various physical, hormonal, and structural changes. This joint has several small bones working together, covered by cartilaginous tissue, and is distinguished by a small disk that absorbs shocks. Here are the main causes of such disorders.
- Erosion of the disk and relocation from the proper position might cause an imbalance of the joint.
- High stress and tension in the jaw muscles might cause extreme pain and discomfort.
- The strain on the previously detected TMJ-disordered ligaments might cause further damage to the joint.
- Arthritis might also cause these disorders on a huge scale. Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis greatly affect jaw movement and might cause TMJ disorders.
- A direct blow or shock to the jaw while playing sports or doing any laborious work might also lead to such disorders.
- Bruxism, chronic chewing, clenching, and grinding, especially while sleeping, put additional strain on the muscles and joints.
- Improper position might also lead to such conditions. Misalignment of the head, neck, and jaw leads to strenuous action on the jaw, causing it to malfunction.
- Disorders related to the connective tissues might also cause the disk to slip out of position, causing the TMJ joint to not work properly.
- Smoking might also prove to be dangerous.
- Sleep disorders might lead to increased chances of bruxism and, hence, further discrepancies.
- Patients who have formerly been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis or fibromyalgia have an increased possibility of such disorders.
- Any infection in the gums might lead to severe conditions, causing temporomandibular disorders.
Symptoms of TMJ
We have heard about the phrase “Prevention is better than a cure.” Although if one is already suffering from any kind of disorder or discomfort, diagnosis and treatment at the preliminary stage might lead to quick relief and cure.
- Discomfort and cramps in the jaw.
- Severe pain around the ear and head.
- Clicking and popping sound from the jaws.
- The jaws might get locked, making the movement painful and difficult in opening and closing of jaws.
- Aching on either or both sides of the jaw.
- Irritation in the eyes.
- Tenderness in the tooth and loosening of the teeth might also occur.
- Difficulty in chewing and biting.
Treatment procedure
The TMJ disorders may resolve on their own over time. Although if they are not, then one might have to resort to medications and even surgery in more severe cases.
- Painkillers and NSAIDs: You might take unprescribed and popular painkillers available in the chemist shop. If they are not proven to be effective, one might have to opt for stronger medications and NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). These medications are usually prescribed for a short period of time.
- Low doses of antidepressants: These are usually prescribed to patients suffering from depression, but they might be prescribed to patients suffering from TMJ disorders. These medicines are known to cure sleeping disorders and may, in turn, cure the TMJ disorders.
- Relaxants: As the temporomandibular joints are connected by ligaments and muscles, sometimes disorders or strain in them might also lead to pain and discomfort. Hence, patients are given muscle relaxants to reduce the stress and tension on these connective tissues.
- Physiotherapy: In some cases, medicines might not be as effective, and the patient is prescribed physiotherapy. This treatment is done by using ultrasound and electrical nerve impulses to treat the structural disorders of the joints.
- Oral care at a personal level: Changing habits such as grinding, biting, clenching, and biting of nails might help in minimizing the chances of causing the disorders. Application of heat or ice according to an individual’s pain relief might also be effective.
- As previously suggested, hormonal changes and stressful conditions might also lead to chronic clenching and biting. Counselling or therapy might help in easing these situations. Medicines may be prescribed to control the hormonal changes if not eradicate them.
- Surgical procedures may also need to be implemented if nothing else works. Minimally invasive surgeries such as arthrocentesis, TMJ arthroscopy, and condylotomy may be suggested. Some issues might also be resolved by injections and not require surgery. In some complicated cases, open joint surgery might also be required.
Conclusion
The causes of TMJ might include multiple physical, structural, and conformational factors. The most common reasons include a prolonged strain on the jawbones and chronic biting, clenching, and grinding habits; direct shock to the jaws; clicking and popping sounds; and locked jaws. The slipping of the articular disc and misposition of the jawbones might lead to uncomfortable and painful conditions.
Though no permanent cure has been found for TMJ disorders, precautions might be taken to avoid them. Taking proper oral care, visiting the dentist in kolkata – Ur’s Toothfully Full Mouth Rehabilitation and Implant Centre at regular intervals, and giving up habits that might lead to such disorders. Changes in lifestyle, such as a proper sleep schedule, quitting smoking habits, and maintaining proper posture, might also reduce the possibility of TMD.
If one is diagnosed with TMD (temporomandibular disorder), they must start treatment at the preliminary levels to avoid the severity of the cases and save themselves from pain and the risk of further damage to their jaws.