The temporomandibular jaw: what is it? What issues may possibly befall him? More information on this topic in the following article.
The following lines provide information on the temporomandibular jaw and some of its most common issues:
What is the temporomandibular jaw?
The temporomandibular joint, which is actually two joints rather than one, slides and rotates in front of the ears to allow the temporal jaw to move with the assistance of other facial muscles in all directions, including forward and backward, up and down, from one side, etc. The temporal jaw is the lower jaw of the head that attaches to the skull via the temporomandibular joint.
As the proper alignment of the lower jaw with the joints helps to move the smooth muscles to perform these tasks, the lower jaw plays a crucial role in the process of chewing, speaking, swallowing, and yawning. If there is a problem with this alignment, the lower jaw's functional role may be affected, and many problems may result.
What are temporomandibular disorders?
The temporomandibular joint, as well as the surrounding musculoskeletal and bony components of the temporomandibular jaw, may be affected by a variety of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular problems known as temporomandibular disorders. Up to 15% of adults may be affected by these illnesses, with a peak incidence rate between the ages of 20 and 40. And these disorders are inside or outside the joint.
Temporomandibular disorders can be brought on by a variety of biological, environmental, social, emotional, and cognitive variables. They are frequently accompanied by other illnesses, including chronic headaches, fibromyalgia, autoimmune diseases, sleep apnea, and other mental illnesses.
Temporomandibular disorders include 3 main sections, which are as follows:
1. Temporomandibular joint disorders
Joint pain, disc issues that cause it to shift from its original position, and degenerative joint diseases including rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis are some of these.
2. Masticatory muscle disorders
They include pain that is localised to a particular region of the muscle and intensifies when pressure is applied to it, as well as discomfort that radiates past the initial site and impacts various face muscles.
3. Headache brought on by temporomandibular conditions
It encompasses all of the various headache forms connected to TMJ discomfort.
What symptoms can temporomandibular disorders cause?
The following symptoms are just a few of the many that temporomandibular problems may produce:
- Jaw ache, particularly in the morning or late in the day.
- Backache and pain that radiates from the neck, shoulders, back, or area behind the eyes.
- Earache and tinnitus.
- a cracking or crackling sensation in the jaw.
- Limited movement of the mouth.
- Teeth grinding , sensitivity.
- Numbness, tingling, and tingling sensation in the fingers
- both the upper and lower teeth have occlusion issues.
How can temporomandibular problems be diagnosed?
A doctor always diagnoses jaw problems by taking a patient's medical history in addition to a physical examination only, which may include pressing gently on the side of the face, or placing a little finger in a person's ear, as well as listening for the sound of the jaw as it moves, but if the doctor suspects a disorder The following tests might be requested for the jaw:
- MRI.
- X ray.
- Computed tomography.
How are temporomandibular problems treated?
Here are some solutions and tips that will relax the temporal jaw and reduce its problems:
- to relax the jaw joint
For example, during rest, you can keep your teeth slightly apart, rest your tongue at the bottom of your mouth, eat only soft foods and avoid chewing gum . Avoid opening your jaw widely by massaging and warming the jaw muscles instead.
- Reducing stress
Relaxation techniques and the use of bite guards may be able to reduce the problem of stress-related jaw pressure and tooth clenching.
- pharmaceutical
Tricyclic antidepressants, acetaminophen, and muscle relaxants are a few examples of painkillers that may aid with the discomfort and the issue.
- Therapy for the jaw and jaw exercises
For instance, to loosen up the jaw muscles, place your fingers on the chin's front and try to move the lower jaw forward against their resistance. Hold this position for a few seconds and then repeat the exercise three times.