The TMJ joint controls any jaw movement in a rotational or hinge action and is comprised of powerful muscles, tendons, blood vessels nerves and bones. A cartilage disk also sites between the mandible and the temporal bone.
Problems with the TMJ can lead to pain, a clicking jaw and a restricted mouth opening. This causes frequent discomfort due to any talking, eating and yawning.
Almost everyone has an asymmetrical bite (malocclusion), so a misaligned bite will not necessarily lead to, or be the cause of TMJ discomfort. In severe cases the misalignment may cause excessive pressure on the temporomandibular joint, but so far a link has not been scientifically established. First, it is best to tackle any the other causes such as stress and anxiety, because teeth grinding is proven to be an involuntary anxiety relieving mechanism.
Any excessive activity in the joints muscles is one of the common causes of TMJ. The TMJ muscles are powerful and Bruxism can wear the joint down at a rate faster than the area can recover.
In most cases, treating TMJ due to Bruxism is all about relieving discomfort. Temporarily avoiding extreme jaw movements will be an aid during the initial recovery period.
What are your experiences with TMJ and Bruxism? Did treatment of bruxism resolve the problem?
