Temporomandibular Joint Disorder Seriously Affects the Jaw Joints

Are you feeling pain in the ear and feeling like grinding and chewing all the time? Then it is the time to go and get checkup as it is a sign of temporomandibular joint disorder.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a part of your body that is located directly at the front of ear on either side of your head where upper and lower jaws join. It contains various moving parts that make it possible for upper jaw to seal on lower jaw.i00075_TMJpainWoman

Usually, the TMJ is a sliding ball and socket joint that has a disc separating the ball and socket.

TMJ is used various times in a day when you move the jaw, chew something or bite, yawn or talk.

This joint is one of the most commonly used joints in our body. Whenever you use jaws or mouth, this joint is also used.

Temporomandibular joint disorders:

Temporomandibular joints are difficult and are designed with tendons, bones and muscles, so every part includes in the smooth operation of the joint.

When muscles are balanced and relaxed, jaw joints close and open effortlessly. This is the reason behind our ability to chew, talk and yawn without feeling any pain.

During some times, the TMJ that connects lower jaw to your skull can become swollen and cause severe pain and impairment.

Symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder:

All these disorders can be assembled together to figure an array of complex dysfunctions, which are linked to the jaw joint. Apart from the common conditions, some other disorders includemyofacial dysfunction or pain and Costen’s syndrome.

The joints and muscles need to work together all the time. So, any problem with any of these can cause headache, stiffness, ear pain, clicking sounds, bite problems and locked jaws.

  • TMJ disorders cause ear pain, but there are not any visible signs of this infection.
  • Generally, ear pain is noticed at the front or beneath the ear. Patients with ear infection can also have ear draining or hearing loss.
  • TMJ disorders can also cause dizziness or disparity something similar to vertigo.
  • Some people can also complain about a clocking sound in their ears while chewing and also jaw lock.
  • Some people notice constant crunching, grinding, popping or buzzing sounds that are called as crepitus. Sometimes, these sounds are accompanied by severe pain.
  • Some patients clench and grind their teeth. This can lead to increased wear on the lining of the cartilage of TMJ. Most of you don’t know that this condition raises the pain and they continue grinding teeth during sleep also. This is the reason why most of the people chew gums and bite the nails.
  • An acrylic device is used to decrease clenching and grinding of the teeth. Usually, this is prescribed only to use during nights. Teeth cover can also help to control the bite.
  • Ice and heat therapies are used for reducing muscle tension. This condition is also beneficial if TMJ is injured.
  • It is recommended you to keep the jaws separately to avoid teeth grinding.

How to treat temporomandibular joint disorder?

  • An acrylic device is used to decrease clenching and grinding of the teeth. Usually, this is prescribed only to use during nights. Teeth cover can also help to control the bite.
  • Ice and heat therapies are used for reducing muscle tension. This condition is also beneficial if TMJ is injured.
  • It is recommended you to keep the jaws separately to avoid teeth grinding.
  • If these treatments won’t give any relief, you can opt for surgery in which ligaments are tightened.