Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

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Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD), or TMJ Syndrome, is an umbrella term covering acute or chronic inflammation of the temporomandibular joint, which connects the mandible to the skull





• The disorder and resultant dysfunction can result in significant pain and impairment

• Because the disorder transcends the boundaries between several health-care disciplines — in particular,

- Dentistry - Neurology - Physical therapy - Psychology — there are a variety of treatment approaches





The temporomandibular joint is susceptible to many of the conditions that affect other joints in the body, including ankylosis, arthritis, trauma, dislocations, developmental anomalies, and neoplasia.




Predisposing Factors

• Modification of chewing surfaces of the teeth through dental neglect or accidental trauma

• Speech habits resulting in jaw thrusting

• Excessive gum chewing or nail biting

• Excessive jaw movements associated with exercise

• Repetitive subconscious jaw movements associated with bruxing or clenching

• Size of foods eaten




Signs and Symptoms

• Jaw pain and/or stiffness

• Headaches, usually at the temples and side of head

• Vague tooth soreness or toothache which often move around the mouth

• Sensitive teeth

• Painful or tender jaw joint

• Difficulty in opening jaw

• Pain and fatigue when eating hard or chewy foods




• Clicks, pops, or grinding sound in jaw joint

• Ear pain

• Cervical neck tension and pain

• Tooth wear

• Awareness of grinding/clenching teeth while sleeping or awake (Bruxism)

• A pattern of breaking or cracking teeth with no other cause, i.e. tooth decay or trauma

• History of medically diagnosed migraine headaches (common incidence of concurrent TMD

Signs and Symptoms




Treatment

The key words to keep in mind about TMD treatment are "conservative" and "reversible"




Treatment

Conservative Treatments

• Conservative treatments are as simple as possible and are used most often because most patients do not have severe, degenerative TMD

• Conservative treatments do not invade the tissues of the face, jaw or joint




Treatment

Reversible Treatments

Reversible treatments do not cause permanent, or irreversible, changes in the structure or position of the jaw or teeth




TMJ Symptom Relief

Heat and Cold Packs

Heat and cold packs applied to the side of the face and temple for 10 minute intervals may reduce the intensity of the pain affecting the muscles and surrounding area of the jaw.




TMJ Symptom Relief

Limit Jaw Movement

• It is important to avoid large movement of the jaw such as singing and wide yawning

• Do not apply pressure with your hand against your jaw for an extended time period during sleep

• Limit the pressure you apply with a phone receiver




TMJ Symptom Relief

Diet

Choose soft food and stay away from foods requiring repetitive chewing or the mouth to open wide. In particular, avoid chewing gum, taffy, pretzels and raw carrots




TMJ Symptom Relief

Dental Treatment

Continue to receive dental treatment for any teeth requiring restoration. Tooth decay may affect the bite, a contributing factor to TMJ.




TMJ Symptom Relief

Physical Therapy, Biofeedback, and Massage

In some cases, physical therapy, biofeedback and massage provide temporary relief from TMJ




TMJ Symptom Relief

Medications

• Some doctors may prescribe non- steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs like ibuprofen), muscle relaxants, anti-anxiety medications and in some cases anti-depressants

• The choice of medication depends on the intensity of the disorder and your medical history

• However, the need for medication is greatly reduced when treatment is received by an experienced TMJ dental professional




Dental Appliances

TMJ Symptom Relief

• Your dentist may prescribe a dental appliance such as a mouth guard or splint to reduce the effects of tooth grinding and clenching

• Such appliances may also help improve your bite and the ability for the lower jaw to fall properly into the temporomandibular joint socket




About Smile Care

Author Name : Dr. Kripa Shetty

Smile Care® has spearheaded the cause of modern

dentistry in India through its multitude of activities in the

field of dentistry.

Smile Care® is involved in Clinical Services, Continuing

Education, Clinical Research, Public Awareness and

Scientific Publication in the field of dentistry and offers

the synergistic benefit of these activities to all its clients.


Contact Details

Smile Care ClinicBandra, Vashi, Nashik, Kolhapur

Email: [email protected]: 91 -22-26400188 / 83 Fax 91-22-26416342


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Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

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