How Sensitive Teeth Can Be Caused By Tmj Syndrome
. One of its common symptoms is sensitivity in the adjoining teeth.
Other common symptoms can include headaches and neck aches, pain around the ear, pain in the adjoining temple and cheek, spasms involving the muscles of the face, inability to open the mouth fully, and a characteristic clicking or popping noise upon opening the mouth.
What Is TMJ?
The temporomandibular joint is one of the most frequently used joints in the body, exercised every time a person talks, chews or swallows. Its also one of the most complex joints in the body.
The joint connects the jawbone with the temporal bone, one of the many fused bones of the skull. The jawbone and the temporal bone are separated by a small cartilage disc.
Every time a person bites down, he or she is exerting force on the joint. The cartilage disc exists to provide the joint with a smooth surface that minimizes friction, and also provides a wider area over which chewing forces can be distributed.
TMJ is the result of displacement of the cartilage disc. This displacement stretches the sensory nerves that proliferate in the face, causing pain. The popping sound is associated with the movement of the disc as it snaps back into place.
Risk Factors for TMJ
Medical experts dont know the exact causes of TMJ. But there are some factors that predispose individuals toward developing TMJ.
Traumatic jaw injury: Trauma will cause swelling in the joint, compressing and immobilizing the cartilage disc.
Certain chronic diseases: People with rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome are far more likely to develop TMJ
Bruxism, or teeth grinding: Bruxism is a condition in which people grind, gnash or clench their teeth obsessively. Often, this behaviour occurs while these individuals are sleeping. Bruxism puts pressure on the jaw, which can compress and deform the cartilage disc. Bruxism is one of the leading causes of TMJ.
Teeth grinding will wear down the teeth, particularly the back teeth. People can clench their teeth with such force that they crack the dental enamel or even fracture their own teeth. Hairline cracks in the enamel can lead to extreme sensitivity of the teeth.
Bruxism can also lead to receding gums, even in the absence of periodontal disease. Sensitive teeth can also be caused by this.
Malocclusion, or imperfect bite: If teeth dont fit together properly, pressures associated with chewing will be unevenly distributed. This can have a deleterious effect on the cartilage pad of the temporomandibular joint, which can lead to TMJ.
TMJ Treatments
Mild episodes of TMJ can be managed without medical or dental intervention. Alternating cold packs with simple stretches, followed by moist warmth, will help relieve muscle spasms. Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Aleve (naproxen) and Advil (ibuprofen) will relieve joint inflammation.
When TMJ is a secondary symptom of bruxism, the TMJ patient is well advised to seek bruxism treatment from a qualified and experienced dentist.
Mouth guards, splints and other protective dental appliances have been used successfully to prevent damage to the teeth, especially with patients who grind their teeth in their sleep.
When bruxism is associated with malocclusions, the teeth may need to be realigned. Worn or damaged chewing surfaces of the teeth that are causing patients pain may need to be corrected with overlays or crowns.
Bruxism is frequently associated with stress, so patients are encouraged to seek out stress management techniques. In the most extreme cases, patients may be prescribed medications to help them deal with stress. Patients will find it much more beneficial, however, to pursue practices like meditation and yoga that will help them manage the symptoms of stress on their own.
by: Chelsi Woolz
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