The temporomandibular joint connects your jaw to you skull and is responsible for its movement. It is common for the joint or surrounding muscles to become injured to some degree. When this happens, it is likely that TMJ syndrome will develop.
While treatment is possible for this condition—often at home—finding relief depends largely on pinpointing the exact cause of your TMJ. Here is a look at some of the most common causes you'll encounter.
Bruxism
Also known as teeth grinding, bruxism is a habit that many are not aware they have, since people tend to grind their teeth at night while they sleep. Although the habit may be done unknowingly, it has serious consequences. Bruxism can lead to muscle spasms, inflammation, and pain due to the repetitive use of the chewing muscles and damage done to the teeth from grinding. Bruxism-induced TMJ is often treated with a bite guard that is worn over the teeth at night to prevent grinding.
Clenching
Clenching is another habit that can cause unpleasant symptoms. Clenching your teeth or jaw not only causes you pain, but can also cause your jaw to stiffen or lock, restricting mobility over time. Those who are guilty of clenching usually have other bad habits like gum chewing or biting pens and pencils. These bad oral habits cause frequent pressure on the joint, which leads to damage and TMJ symptoms.
Stress is usually the main culprit behind why people clench their teeth or jaw. A doctor may suggest taking sedatives at night to help with relaxation, because clenching is often worse during sleep.
Misaligned Bite
If you have a misaligned bite, meaning your teeth do not fit together when at rest, this may be a cause of TMJ. A bad bite can put pressure on the jaw joint, which can wear away at the discs or even force them out of place. A misaligned bite does not automatically mean you will experience TMJ, but it does increase your chances.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Inflammation in the joints caused by rheumatoid arthritis can trigger TMJ. The progression of this autoimmune disease leads to destruction of cartilage, bone, and can cause joint defects. Because a common, unfortunate symptom of rheumatoid arthritis is joint inflammation, it can affect the temporomandibular joint, causing pain. Young children with rheumatoid arthritis are at a greater risk for experiencing TMJ than adults with the same condition.
