The temporomandibular joints are complex hinges that connect the lower jaw, or mandible,to the skull. They are made up of bones, ligaments, muscles, cartilage, and facsia you haveno one on each side of your jaw. The joints move the jaw during chewing, speaking, swallowing,and so on.

When the jaw is not functioning properly muscles begin to hold a tense, unnaturalposition. Muscle spasms occur, and before long the tension travels by chain reaction throughoutthe body.

In addition to the bone, muscle, ligaments, and cartilage that make up the temporomandibularjoint, many nerves and tiny blood vessels travel through the area. Any disruption of this flowcan cause severe pain and discomfort.

According to the national institute of dental research, there is actually more than one typeof TMJ disorder. They fall into three main categories:

• Myofacial pain (the most common form)– discomfort or pain in the muscles that control the jaw as well as the neck and shoulder muscles.

• Internal derangement of the joint– a dislocated jaw or displaced disc, or injury to the condyle.

• Degenerative joint disease– for example, osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in the jaw joint.

Causes and contributing factors can be separated into general areas and include the following:
Dental
• Poor bite (Malocclusion)
• Missing teeth that have not been replaced (resulting in jaw overclosure)
• Past dental surgery
• Any opening of the jaw for a prolonged period, even a big yawn
• Poorly fitting or worn – out dentures

Injuries
• Whiplash
• Traction appliances used in whiplash injuries which place undue stress on the jaw
• A blow to the head, face, or jaw may be considered minor; may not be recent)

Habits
• Bad posture, such as slouching , holding the phone on your shoulder, sleeping on your stomach, sitting in poorly designed chairs, and so on
• Bad habits at work, particularly posture at the computer
• Oral habits such as pencil biting, gum chewing, or clenching (bruxing) when under stress
• Childhood habits such as thumb sucking or deviant swallowing habits
• Poor diet or eating habits
• Activities, such as heavy lifting, that strain the neck or the back

Adverse social situations that cause undue stress
• Bad home situation
• Recent stressful events
• Financial worries
• Difficulties at work
• Litigation
• Life changes, such as divorce or death of a loved one

Emotional
• Depression (acute or chronic)
• Anger
• Anxiety
• Frustration
• Unrelieved stress
• Fear

TMJ disorder can start at an early age and get progressively worse

Symptoms of TMJ disorder can occur around the jaw, around the head, and throughout the total body and will vary from person to person. Later in this chapter you will be asked to fill out a checklist of your own symptoms.
Around the jaw
• Clicking, grating, or popping in the jaw
• Pain in and around the jaw
• Clenching and grinding while you sleep or during the day
• Difficulty opening your mouth
• Difficulty closing your mouth
• Jaw locks open or shut
• Pain in the teeth
• Tired or sore jaw when you wake up
• Jaw deviates on opening and closing

Symptoms Checklist
Area 1: Around the Jaw
___ Clicking, grating, or popping in the jaw joint
___ Pain in and/or around the jaw
___ Clenching or grinding teeth while you sleep or during the day
___ Difficulty opening your mouth
___ Difficulty closing your mouth
___ Jaw locks open or shut
___ Pain in the teeth
___ Tired or sore jaw when you wake up
___ Jaw deviates on opening and closing
Area 2: Around the Head
___ Difficulty swallowing
___ Muscle soreness or spasms around the head and neck
___ Ringing in the ears
___ Difficulty hearing
___ Frequent earaches with no infection present
___ Headaches of all kinds
___ Sinus Pain
___ Pressure behind the eyes
___ Tearing for no reason

Area 3: Throughout the body
___ Muscle spasms in the neck, shoulder, back, arms, or legs
___ Numbness in arms or fingers
___ Dizziness
___ Backaches
___ Difficulty sleeping
___ Fatigue, nervousness, anger, or depression
___ Arthritis

If you have these signs and symptoms of TMJ disorder.
Please contact a trained dentist of the Craniodontic-TMJA Study Group Philippines
as soon as possible.

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