Tenderness in the temporomandibular joint can have several causes and is classified as TMD, temporomandibular disorder
In this week’s Ask an Expert we talk about jaw pain. If you also have questions about health, psychology, wellness, exercise or nutrition, write to ana.lourenco@estadao.com or send a DM to our Instagram.
The temporomandibular joint, known as ATM, connects the jaw to the skull and is responsible for the mandibular movements we make when we yawn, talk and eat, for example. Any problem related to the muscle, disc or bone that composes it is called TMD, Temporomandibular disorder. However, because it’s in a place with a lot of movement and connections, jaw pain can be mistaken for ear pain, headache, or difficulty opening and closing your mouth. The pain can be sudden or start out mild and become increasingly intense.
Other consequences, in addition to pain, are local swelling, blocked jaw and possible jaw slaps. “The clicks indicate that there is an internal and mechanical imbalance within the TMJ. That is, some structures may be dislocated and their resolution should be evaluated based on clinical and radiological factors such as MRI and tomography if appropriate,” says oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Raiza Ramos.
“They are not healthy, under any circumstances. While they indicate internal disorders, they do not necessarily indicate surgery, but they can progress to blockages in the mouth opening, jaw dislocations, and an oral and maxillofacial surgeon should be consulted for an evaluation.”
What causes TMJ pain?
The onset of this pain and/or cracking can be different. One of the most common is bruxism, i.e. the habit of grinding or clenching the teeth during the day. While some people do it intentionally due to stress, tension or anxiety, others grind their teeth in their sleep and are unaware of it. In addition to muscle pain, bruxism can cause the patient to experience excessive tooth wear and tooth sensitivity.
Trauma to the region and problems with the dental arch can also generate TMD, as happened with the influencer Virginia Fonseca. She was recently diagnosed with the problem due to a poor quality resin, which changed the way she closed her mouth.
Finally, the bad oral hygiene it can also be the source of the problem, since periodontal disease, caries or abscesses (infection of the pulp or nerve of the tooth), can radiate pain to that site. Regular dental checkups and timely treatment of any cavities is the best way to avoid this problem.
What to do to relieve TMJ pain?
“To relieve pain, you can apply hot packs to the region if it’s muscle or cold packs if it’s a joint. To differentiate, you need to check where the pain is. It’s near the ear, above the joint,” Raiza teaches.
In addition, anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxants can also be used for the most intense pains. But you need to be careful with self-medication. “Taking anti-inflammatories for more than 3 days can be dangerous for the kidney, for example,” she says.
What makes ATM worse?
According to her, the habit of chewing gum, hard foods or opening the mouth for long periods (such as dental treatments in long sessions) can intensify the pain.
*Inspired by a question from reader Rafaela Jordão, from Rio de Janeiro
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
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