What Causes TMJ Syndrome?

TMJ disorders or Temporomandibular Joint syndrome is a collective term used to describe problems relating to the temporomandibular joint and surrounding parts of the jaw. The TMJ connects the lower jaw to the skull and forms a triangular shaped area below the ear. TMJ syndrome is also often called “lockjaw” because it causes the jaw to lock in position.

TMJ syndrome affects millions of people yearly, and is more common in women than in men. The disorder typically occurs between the ages of 20 to 40. People, who have TMJ syndrome experience chronic pain in the neck, face, head, and ear. They also have limitations in jaw movement that causes problems in eating and even sleeping at night. Although the exact cause of TMJ syndrome is still unclear, dentists believe that the symptoms of TMJ come from the jaw muscles and the other parts of the temporomandibular joint.

Some of the common causes attributed to TMJ syndrome are the following:

• Rheumatoid Arthritis or Osteoarthritis
• Bruxism or teeth grinding
• Inflammatory or Autoimmune disease such as Lupus
• Incorrect posture
• Displacing the disc or soft cushion between the ball and socket
• Jaw, neck or head injury
• Orthodontic treatment like braces due to constant pulling and stretching while on treatment
• Stress that causes teeth clenching

To learn more about TMJ or If you are experiencing chronic pain in the neck, ear or face, contact us at Browns Line Dental as soon as you can. We are equipped with the best equipment to diagnose TMJ, and our clinic is now offering therapeutic botox for patients with chronic TMJ caused by teeth grinding and tension.

– Browns Line Dental Team