TMJ syndrome: causes, symptoms and treatments

The pain caused by TMJ can become extreme. The rarity of the syndrome sometimes leads to misdiagnosis, so Nutrident offers to shed light on this disease that can become disabling.

What is TMJ?

TMJ – otherwise known as Costen's syndrome – is related to dysfunction of the joint between the temporal cranial bone and the mandible (the lower jaw).

This syndrome causes mechanical problems to close the jaw and to chew, as well as localized pain, but also extended to the rest of the face and the whole body.

The TMJ concerns the different parts of the masticatory apparatus:

• The articular disc which covers the head of the condyle (joint head of the bone, rounded shape) which should normally avoid friction
• The articular surfaces of the temporal bone and the condyles covered with cartilage
• Masticatory muscles
• Tendons
• The dental occlusal surfaces which are the parts of the teeth that overlap when the mouth is closed

What causes TMJ?

TMJ is caused by a variety of causes resulting from a malformation or an accident. The most common cause is a mechanical problem that results in a dental occlusion disorder. There are various reasons why teeth do not fit together properly:

• They have grown in an anarchic way
• Missing teeth
• Dental repair work has been poorly done or has degenerated over time

TMJ is also often caused by a recurrent hyper contraction of the jaw muscles. These tensions are most often unconscious. They appear during the day in hyper-nervous subjects and at night, they can turn into bruxism which makes the person concerned grind his teeth. Bruxism leads to premature tooth wear, which further aggravates bite problems.

When TMJ is caused by exacerbated nervousness, it is considered a psychosomatic disease.

Other factors are responsible for TMJ: hereditary anomalies, rheumatic problems, inadequate postural behaviors, chronic nasal obstruction…

Finally, TMJ can result from trauma to the jaws, face, skull or neck.

The difficulties of diagnosis

TMJ affects everyone, although it is more common between the ages of 20 and 50. Since the symptoms are numerous and the syndrome is not very common, it can take a long time to make a diagnosis.

The dental surgeon must take the time to complete a thorough medical questionnaire before proceeding to an equally thorough clinical examination of the jaw's function. He should review the mouth opening, its occlusion and contact points between the teeth, the joint itself, and the masticatory musculature.

At a minimum, the dental surgeon will perform a panoramic x-ray of the teeth, but may also perform a CT scan of the joint and an MRI.

What are the symptoms?

The pains

The pain caused by TMJ pushes the patient to consult a dental surgeon, but also a general practitioner, because, if they are sometimes localized on the jaw joint, they can often extend to the face – and in particular to the front of the ears – but also on the spine and even in the feet.

These areas of the skull are home to a complex and dense system of small muscles and capillaries. Any tension has diffuse repercussions on a large area.

In the worst case, the pain can travel throughout the back, hips, pelvis, and even the feet with recurring cramps.

Pain and discomfort are most often concentrated during the opening and closing of the mouth. They occasionally become throbbing, localize throughout the oral cavity or move to the front of the ear.

As a result, headaches become frequent.

Joint problems

TMJ causes chewing problems and, in extreme cases, the risk of dislocating the jaw. The patient may find the jaw locked in a closed, open or intermediate position.

When chewing, you may hear small crackling or crunching sounds.

ENT problems

The entire ENT sphere is impacted by TMJ and the consequences are diverse: tinnitus, blocked ear sensation, vertigo, sinusitis and even eye problems.

Other signs

Additional problems can appear: uneven and exaggerated wear of the teeth, swallowing problems, hypersalivation, mouth ulcers, digestive problems…

How to prevent MASD?

Excellent oral hygiene is of course essential, as is an annual check-up at the dentist's office to detect the beginnings of the syndrome.

You should avoid tensing your jaw muscles at all costs if you feel chronic pain. Practice relaxation and avoid chewing gum if you are naturally nervous.

What are the treatments?

Any problems resulting from inappropriate behaviors, such as chewing defects or bruxism, can be modified by rehabilitation exercises to control jaw posture, as well as relaxation techniques, and cognitive behavioral therapies to learn to manage stress.

When you are subject to acute pain, while waiting for your dental appointment, you can apply an ice pack to numb the pain, but also a warm moistened washcloth to soothe the muscles.

Dental and orthodontic care

Then, it is up to your dentist to choose the right treatment for you. In addition to dental care, if needed, he can prescribe medication based on painkillers and anti-inflammatories.

There are also therapies using osteopathy or mandibular physiotherapy. TENS – transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation – is also a good way to relax muscles.

Depending on the occlusion problems, the dentist may use a dental mouthpiece, especially to fight against bruxism, but also to correct occlusion anomalies.

In the most severe cases, the dentist may resort to surgery.

If you are faced with one of these situations, taking out a dental insurance plan can help you cover some of the costs of your care.

The contribution of food supplements

Finally, it is also possible to take dietary supplements based on glucosamine and chondroitin, which can further influence the production of synovial fluid that lubricates the joints.

We recommend the following supplement: Arthropure by Nutripure

• Combats the aging of collagen and cartilage
• “Optimal absorption thanks to the presence of vitamin C
• Allows the regeneration of cartilage tissue
• “Pure, natural and patented ingredients

FAQ