2023-06-16 12:30:00
Located in the region of the face just in front of the ears, the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is one of the most complex structures in the human body, being the only one interconnected.
She makes a jaw connection with the skull, allowing movements like opening and closing her mouth, chewing food, yawning, talking and even expressing emotions through smile.
However, when this joint faces imbalances or dysfunctions, problems arise that affect not only oral health, but also quality of life. These conditions are known as Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD), and may present with muscle, joint abnormalities or a combination of both.
To find out more details about TMD, the causes, symptoms, how its diagnosis is made and the recommended treatment, keep following the article!
Table of Contents — In this article, you’ll find:
- What causes temporomandibular disorders?
- Symptoms
- How long can a crisis last?
- Consequences
- Diagnosis
- How to treat temporomandibular disorder?
What causes temporomandibular disorders?
Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) can be caused by several factors with the potential to affect the functioning of this joint. Among the most common are:
- Grinding and clenching teeth (bruxism);
- Wisdom removal;
- Emotional issues such as anxiety and stress;
- Behavioral, such as biting the cheek, pen, nail biting, resting the head on the hands, among others;
- Absence of teeth;
- Worn or ill-fitting dentures;
- Injuries and trauma to the joints and chin area;
- Osteoarthritis and arthritis.
Symptoms
People who have a Temporomandibular Disorder usually have the following symptoms:
- Headache;
- Dizziness and vertigo;
- Crack in the jaw;
- Pain when opening and closing the mouth;
- Difficulty chewing, especially hard foods;
- Pain, tinnitus and clogged ear sensation;
- Dental wear, especially in canines;
- Locking sensation in the jaw;
- Changes in physiognomy;
- Cervical (neck) pain, joint noises (crackles) during mouth movements.
If you identify with any of the symptoms listed above, be sure to seek medical help!
How long can a crisis last?
Normally, the TMD crisis appears suddenly both in the first manifestations and in the worsening of the symptoms.
The duration varies according to each person’s body and what triggered the crisis, but the discomfort can persist for hours, days and even weeks.
Consequences
If not properly treated, TMD can result in a number of complications.
One of the main ones is progressive pain, which can intensify over time. This pain can manifest not only in the jaw area, but also radiate to other areas of the body, such as the head, neck, eyes and shoulders.
In addition to pain, TMD can also cause other problems, such as swelling and dislocation of the jaw. In more serious cases, disc wear can occur, which makes jaw movement even more difficult and compromises the regular functioning of the region.
Therefore, it is essential to seek adequate medical and dental assistance when identifying any TMD sign. Early diagnosis and adequate treatment are essential to prevent the progression of the condition and minimize impacts on the patient’s quality of life.
Diagnosis
The best professionals to diagnose this condition are dentists, physiotherapists and speech therapists.
In general, these specialists seek to collect the patients’ dental history, assess the symptoms and request tests, such as X-rays, in order to determine the cause and indicate the most appropriate treatment.
How to treat temporomandibular disorder?
Although TMD has no cure, there are several types of treatment that help alleviate the pain and discomfort caused by the condition.
Medications such as anti-inflammatories, analgesics and muscle relaxants can be prescribed in cases of temporomandibular disorders.
In addition, procedures with needles at the point of pain, sessions on muscle relaxation devices and relaxation techniques can also help control pain and promote a better quality of life for the patient.
Physiotherapy is also strongly recommended as a treatment in order to alleviate the symptoms and discomfort caused by the condition, in addition to helping to increase the range of motion in the region.
Follow-ups with speech therapists and psychologists, practice of physical activities and maintaining a good quality of sleep may also be indicated.
In cases where treatments and interventions are not effective, specialists may recommend joint surgery.
Read more: Dentistry: understand the exams and specialties
Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) is caused by abnormalities that affect the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), responsible for movements such as opening and closing the mouth, yawning, chewing food and speaking.
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References
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