The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a joint that connects the mandible to the temporal bones of the skull on either side, which are located in front of the ears. The TMJ allows us to move our jaw up and down, left and right so that we can talk, chew and enjoy our yawn!
The problems found in the function of the jaw and facial muscles are known as TMJ disorders.
What causes TMJ problems?
1) Injury to the jaw, TMJ, facial and neck muscles (e.g. from a car accident).
2) Grinding or clenching of the teeth, which puts a lot of pressure on the jaw.
3) Osteoarthritis.
4) Slippage of the articular disc, which is interposed between the mandibular branch and the glenoid bone of the croatian bone.
5) Stress which causes tension in the facial muscles and uncontrollable clenching of the teeth.
What are the symptoms?
We usually find out that there is a problem with the onset of severe pain that can last for several years. There are chances of feeling pain on both sides of our face which is often diffuse. It occurs more often in women and in people aged 20 to 40 years.
We can also include the following symptoms:
– Generalised pain in the face, neck and shoulders as well as in the ear area when chewing, speaking or simply opening up.
– Difficulty opening the mouth fully (e.g. to bite into a whole apple).
– “Locking” or trismus of the jaw during the opening, i.e. the mouth remains open and despite all the effort we do not manage to close it.
– Feeling tired and tense in the face.
– Sudden problem when chewing, as if the upper teeth do not close properly with the lower teeth.
-A loud clicking sound when the jaw is opened.
Most cases are fortunately successfully treated with the use of a special roaring splint during night sleep. Unfortunately, however, there are also incidents that need to be addressed further.