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Medically speaking, this syndrome is known as a dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint. A person suffering from this condition suffers from a malfunction of the “joint” that connects the maxilla to the mandible.
The articulation we are talking about is one of the most complex joints in the body. It is thanks to him that it is possible to move the lower jaw forward, backward and sideways. The temporomandibular joints are the most used joints in our body because they are involved in the processes of talking, eating, singing, and yawning.
Abnormalities in the structure and functioning of the temporomandibular joints are a very common phenomenon, which – as estimated by dentists – affects up to 20-40 percent. population.
What are the symptoms?
In many cases, it is very difficult to correctly diagnose the dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint, because similar ailments may also occur in other diseases, e.g. rheumatic diseases.
The most common symptoms of dysfunction in the temporomandibular joint include:
– a headache that resembles migraine pain. It often radiates into the ears or causes unpleasant pressure behind the eyeballs. It usually appears when opening the mouth wide, chewing food,
Pain when you open or close your mouth, hear a crackling sound when talking, biting or yawning
– during yawning or sudden movement of the lower jaw, it becomes blocked or the so-called jaw stuck or falling out,
– patients also feel pain in the jaw muscles,
– a sudden change in the arrangement of the upper and lower teeth is also a symptom of a dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint.
The cause of problems with the temporomandibular joint
As with any disease, there are many causes that lead to a dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint. Among the most common causes of ailments, stress is usually mentioned, in which we unconsciously tighten our jaws tightly and tighten our facial muscles. We have already mentioned rheumatic diseases, but the diseases that affect smaller joints, such as rheumatoid arthritis, are most dangerous for the temporomandibular joints. Another cause is bruxism, i.e. unconscious teeth grinding and very tight clenching of the jaws while sleeping. Mechanical injuries are also of great importance, as they cause changes in the structure of the joints, jaw or jaw, such as car accidents or a blow to the back of the head. Temporomandibular joint dysfunction may also develop when, due to the lack of teeth, their surfaces do not touch properly, which leads to occlusive disease, i.e. tooth destruction as a result of abnormal contact (so-called contacts) between the teeth of the maxilla and the mandible. Specialists emphasize that the cause of dysfunction may also be habitual chewing gum, biting nails and uncontrolled biting or curling lips during work requiring concentration.
Diagnosing
Most dental diseases can be identified by taking a pantomogram, i.e. a panoramic X-ray of all teeth. In the case of the syndrome or dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint, this examination does not show the complete picture of the temporomandibular joints. Therefore, in order to make a correct diagnosis, it is necessary to manually examine the patient, conduct a detailed interview and perform an X-ray or, in other words, X-ray functional pictures with the occlusion and opening of the jaws.
Before starting the treatment, a dental consultation is also necessary, during which the doctor will assess the condition of the teeth, check the correct positioning of the jaws, check any cavities or the quality of the prostheses made.
How is it treated?
Treatment of temporomandibular joint dysfunction is difficult due to their location. Usually, however, it is about removing the causes of the abnormalities and fighting habits that can cause joint strain. Depending on individual needs, dental and prosthetic treatment may be necessary, physiotherapy (its aim is to reduce joint occlusion and improve muscle flexibility), physical therapy (usually a magnetic field, laser therapy, electrotherapy, heat or cold therapy), stress-reducing relaxation exercises and learning exercises to relax the muscles that move the temporomandibular joints.
Some patients are given antispasmodics or medications that relieve pain and inflammation. People suffering from bruxism must wear special bite plates at all times or wear them at night. The plate (splint) is custom-made to fit snugly in the mouth. It is applied to the upper teeth, which protects them from rubbing against the lower teeth.
When the jaw joints are deformed or failing and no treatment methods are effective, surgery may be required on the mandibular joint.