WHAT IS THE TMJ?
The jaw is also known as the TMJ or Temporo-Mandibular Joint. It can be painful as the result of injury, inflammatory disease, poor postures and habits or growth disorders.
The TMJ is made up of several parts: the lower jaw (or mandible) and the socket (or temporal bone). In between the mandible and the socket is a disc. The disc allows the joint to glide smoothly on opening and closing. The joint is also held in place by muscles and ligaments.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF TMJ DYSFUNCTION?
Pain is the most common symptom of TMJ problems, although not everyone gets pain.
Symptoms can include:
■ Pain in the jaw joints and facial muscles
■ Clicking, grinding or locking of the jaw
■ Headaches & Dizziness
■ Difficulty opening or closing the mouth comfortably
■ Pain on talking, chewing (especially hard food) & yawning
■ Ear pain, ringing in the ears (tinnitus) & hearing loss
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF TMJ DYSFUNCTION?
There are a number of causes and frequently it is a combination of these rather than one single cause:
■ Trauma, for example a blow to the jaw either directly to the joint or elsewhere on the jaw.
■ Overactivity of the jaw muscles. This can occur from continuous clenching or grinding the teeth.
■ Wear and tear of the cartilage inside in the joint
■ Arthritis
■ Increased sensitivity to pain linked to stress