Jaw Joints Disorders
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Jaw joint disorder is a type of temporomandibular disorder (TMD). It causes pain in your jaw joint and in the muscles that control jaw movement. A temporomandibular joint is the most complex muscle in your body. It is made up of bones, muscles and a small piece of cartilage.
A temporomandibular joint is a sliding hinge connecting the jaw to the temporal bones of the skull that are in front of the ears. It function is to facilitate jaw movements (up, down, side by side and back to front) helping you to chew, bite and talk.
Jaw pain can be due to genetics, arthritics or jaw injury. But the exact causes for the pain are difficult to determine.
Dentists believe that that jaw joint disorder occur due to problems with the jaw muscles and parts of the joint. Injuries to the jaw, joint or muscles of the neck can lead to TMD.
What are the symptoms?
- Temporary or permanent jaw joint disorder causes pain and discomfort. Common symptoms include:
- Pain in your jaw, ear and temple
- Noises such as clinking, popping or grinding when moving your joint
- Pain in one or both the temporomandibular joints
- Aching in and around your ears or a headache around your temples
- Tired facial pain
- Difficulty opening or closing your mouth due to lock joint
- Difficulty chewing and biting
What are the causes?
- Dislocated jaw
- Misalignment of the teeth or jaws
- Exerting pressure on the joints while grinding or clenching your teeth.
- Arthritis that damages the small cartilage in the joint
- Stress because it makes a person to tighten facial and jaw muscles or clench the teeth
When to see a dentist?
You must seek medical attention as soon you start feeling pain or tenderness in your jaw. Your dentist can discuss and look for the causes of the jaw joint disorder and suggest the possible treatment. He might suggest you over-the-counter medications, advice possible changes to your diet, which might include eating soft foods, physical therapy or massage to loosen up your jaw.