🔅TMD/TMJ dysfunction is a term that refers to a group of conditions that affect the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the muscles that control jaw movement.

– The TMJ is the joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull, and it allows you to open and close your mouth, chew, speak and swallow. TMD/TMJ dysfunction can cause pain, stiffness, clicking, locking or reduced movement of the jaw, as well as headaches, earaches, facial pain and other symptoms.

CAUSES OF TEMPOROMANDIBULAR DYSFUNCTION

– The exact causes of TMD/TMJ dysfunction are not clear, but they may include:

• Injury or trauma to the jaw or TMJ.

• Arthritis or degeneration of the joint or cartilage.

• Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism), which can put pressure on the joint and muscles.

• Stress, anxiety or emotional factors, which can trigger muscle tension or spasms.

• Malocclusion or misalignment of the teeth or bite.

• Genetic factors or hormonal changes.

• Other medical conditions that affect the muscles, nerves or joints, such as fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome or sleep disorders.

DIAGNOSIS OF TMD

– The diagnosis of TMD/TMJ dysfunction is based mainly on the history and physical examination of the patient. The doctor or dentist will ask about the symptoms, duration, frequency and severity of the pain or discomfort, as well as any factors that may trigger or worsen it. The doctor or dentist will also examine the jaw and TMJ for any signs of tenderness, swelling, inflammation, clicking, popping or reduced movement. They may also check the teeth and bite for any signs of wear, damage or malocclusion.

Some imaging tests may be ordered to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms or to assess the condition of the joint and surrounding structures.

– These tests may include:

• Dental X-rays to examine the teeth and jaw.

• CT scan to provide detailed images of the bones involved in the joint.

• MRI to reveal problems with the joint's disk or surrounding soft tissue

• TMJ arthroscopy; which is a minimally invasive procedure that involves inserting a small tube with a camera into the joint space to view and diagnose the problem.

TREATMENT OF TMD

– The treatment of TMD/TMJ dysfunction depends on the type, cause and severity of the condition. The goal of treatment is to relieve pain, restore function and prevent further damage to the joint and muscles.

– The treatment options may include:

• Medications such as pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, antidepressants or benzodiazepines to reduce pain, inflammation, muscle spasms or anxiety.

• Therapies such as oral splints or mouth guards (occlusal appliances) to protect the teeth from grinding or clenching, physical therapy to stretch and strengthen the jaw muscles, counseling to educate and help cope with stress or behavioral factors, acupuncture or biofeedback to relax the muscles and nerves

• Surgical or other procedures such as arthrocentesis (flushing out fluid and debris from the joint), injections (of steroids, botulinum toxin or hyaluronic acid into the joint), TMJ arthroscopy (surgically correcting the joint using instruments and camera inserted into the joint through a small cut), modified condylotomy (surgery of the lower jaw bone) or open-joint surgery (repairing or replacing damaged structures in the joint).

PREVENTION OF TMD

– The prevention of TMD/TMJ dysfunction may involve avoiding or reducing factors that may trigger or worsen the condition.

– Some preventive measures may include:

• Eating soft foods that require less chewing

• Applying heat or cold to the face in combination with exercises to gently stretch and strengthen the jaw muscles.

• Taking over-the-counter medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen for pain relief.

• Reducing habits such as jaw clenching, gum chewing, nail biting or leaning on the chin.

• Practicing good posture and avoiding tilting or twisting the head or neck.

• Seeking professional help for stress management, anxiety or depression.

• Consulting a dentist for any dental problems such as tooth decay, infection or malocclusion.

#IN SUMMARY

– The difference between TMD and TMJ is that TMD stands for temporomandibular joint disorder, while TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint.

– The TMJ is the joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull, and it allows you to open and close your mouth, chew, speak and swallow. TMD is a condition that affects the TMJ, causing pain, stiffness, clicking, locking or reduced movement of the jaw, as well as other symptoms

– TMD can have various causes, such as injury, arthritis, teeth grinding, stress, malocclusion or other medical conditions

– TMD can be diagnosed by a doctor or dentist based on the history and physical examination of the patient, and sometimes by imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scan, MRI or TMJ arthroscopy

– TMD can be treated by medications, therapies, surgical or other procedures depending on the type, cause and severity of the condition

– TMD can be prevented by avoiding or reducing factors that may trigger or worsen the condition, such as eating soft foods, applying heat or cold to the face, taking pain relievers, reducing habits that stress the jaw, practicing good posture and seeking professional help for stress management or dental problems.