The temporomandibular joint combines a hinge action with sliding motions and is connecting your mandible (lower jaw) to your skull.
The joint can be found on both sides of your head in front of your ears.
It allows your jaw to open and close, enabling you to speak and eat.
The parts of the bones that interact in the joint are covered with cartilage and are separated by a small shock-absorbing disk, which normally keeps the movement smooth.
Painful temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can occur if:
The disk erodes or moves out of its proper alignment
The joint’s cartilage is damaged by arthritis
The joint is damaged by a blow or other impact
At times it is difficult to determine on why it occurs
It’s not usually serious and generally gets better on its own as well as symptoms may show up on just one side of the face, or both.
It tend to occur in females more than males
Referral is required:
If pain keeps on reoccurring
One cannot open their mouth or close properly
Affecting ones performance/activity levels during waking hours and/or one cannot sleep
Cause
Genetics – structural jaw problems present at birth
Jaw injury- blow to jaw and/or ate something very hard, excessive chewing
Long-term (chronic) grinding or clenching of teeth condition
Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Dentist) for further advice
Detailed Information
Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).
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