Jaw Osteoarthritis: everything you need to know about this pain and its treatment

Updated: November 1, 2022

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that manifests itself through the degradation of cartilage in the joints. The whole body can be affected and the temporomandibular joint that allows you to open and close your mouth is no exception. Nutrident explains how to recognize osteoarthritis of the jaw and how to treat it.

Contenus

The importance of the temporomandibular joint

The temporomandibular joint serves us all day long. First of all, to swallow our saliva, an action that takes place more than 1,000 times a day and up to 2,000 times.

Then, to eat: to cut the food, then to grind it, or to speak or emit any sound. We force this joint when we yawn, laugh, or on the contrary when we are stressed or angry.

It is therefore essential and pain caused by osteoarthritis quickly becomes disabling.

The origins of osteoarthritis of the jaw

Osteoarthritis, regardless of the joint it affects, alters the cartilage that allows the two parts of the joint to slide together. It usually develops with age, although it can affect people who are quite young. It is often genetic, so it's worth looking into if you have cases in your family.

Osteoarthritis is also the result of repeated trauma. These may be faulty behaviors (such as bruxism). It can also be the consequence of dental problems that have caused a malocclusion and the offset of one jaw from the other, which has worn away the cartilage unevenly.

Finally, trauma can be caused by recurrent shocks, for example in sports. It can be boxing or rugby where violent contact is frequent.

The symptoms of osteoarthritis of the jaw

The earlier you detect osteoarthritis, the more you can intervene to slow its progression. You should alert yourself if you notice:

recurring jaw pain when you eat;
cracking sounds when you open and close your mouth;
mandible blockages;
the jaw that cracks;
pain that spreads to the neck and ears;
an offset between the two jaws;
recurrent headaches.

How to relieve osteoarthritis of the jaw

The dentist is the first person to consult. He will certainly redirect you to a specialist. He can prescribe painkillers and massage or manipulation by an osteopath.

In addition to long-term treatment, you need to relieve your temporomandibular joint. This means a diet of foods that are soft enough not to put too much strain on your joint.

You can also complement your treatment with massages with essential oils that provide relief, including Wintergreen essential oil.

Phytotherapy also gives good results, with harpagophytum (from the sesame family) in herbal tea or capsules.

Finally, you can take dietary supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin which have a beneficial effect on the production of synovial fluid that lubricates the joints.

In any case, you must resign yourself to long-term treatment, so that you never let osteoarthritis gain too much ground.