Main Cause of TMJ
Disorders in the temporomandibular joint are commonly referred to as TMJ, though this is actually an abbreviation of the name of the joint itself. This joint is the hinge that attaches the skull to the jawbone on each side of the face, allowing the mouth to open, close, speak, chew, smile, and otherwise perform its many roles in day-to-day activity. When this hinge becomes irritated or inflamed, it can lead to painful, annoying symptoms that interfere with daily life and could cause intense or debilitating pain. It’s challenging to pinpoint one specific cause of TMJ, which often occurs thanks to a number of combined factors or habits. However, determining the cause, or causes, of the disorder is an important step in eliminating its symptoms, as reducing or eliminating behaviors and factors that exacerbate TMJ can cause its symptoms to subside and prevent them from recurring.
Physiological issues can create tension and pain in the temporomandibular joint, and this tension can increase when the jaw is subjected to certain outside elements. For example, the joint’s cartilage could be damaged by arthritis, the disk that absorbs force in the joint could slip out of place, the ligaments or connective tissues in the jaw could become strained, or an impact or injury could damage the joint itself. Any of these occurrences could cause the inflammation that characterizes TMJ, and these underlying issues can combine with destructive habits and cause TMJ to worsen or become chronic. Some of these ill-advised habits include grinding or clenching the teeth, a habit called bruxism; stress, anxiety, or other mental health concerns; chewing gum or biting one’s nails; sleep disorders and certain medical conditions; some medications; and smoking. At times, the cause of TMJ could be something as simple as poor posture, hormonal fluctuation, vitamin deficiency, or even dehydration, and it’s not uncommon for TMJ to arise because of a combination of these conditions and habits.
In many cases, the discomfort caused by TMJ disorders can be managed with home care, which may include guidance on behavior modification, stress-reduction techniques, or mouth guards that protect the jaw from the excess forces of bruxism. In some cases, the symptoms of TMJ disorders don’t last very long, or they go away and come back periodically under certain circumstances, though addressing the underlying cause or causes usually helps keep these symptoms at bay over the long term. When there are significant structural concerns contributing to the presence of TMJ disorders, surgery may be needed, though this is considered a last resort. If pain in your jaw interferes with your ability to eat, breathe, yawn, or open or close your mouth completely, see your dentist right away. If you notice less-severe tenderness or discomfort in your jaw that lasts more than a few days, call to make an appointment. With a thorough examination and an honest conversation about habits and behaviors, you and your dentist can craft a solution that reduces or eliminates these symptoms and allows you to smile, speak, yawn, and eat without dealing with the burden of a painful TMJ disorder.