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Practice Areas FAQsWhat causes TMJWhile many theories regarding the causes of TMJ syndrome have been proposed, scientific research has yet to validate the various theories of what causes TMJ. Doctors do know that TMJ can be precipitated or aggravated by health care procedures, trauma, oral habits and postures, and other diseases. There are also instances of TMJ symptoms occurring without an identifiable cause. Health Care Procedures There are certain dental procedures that appear to be linked to the development of TMJ syndrome in some patients. Prolonged jaw opening during some dental treatments can cause problems. Also, we often hear about patients developing TMJ symptoms after dental procedures like the removal of wisdom teeth, root canal therapy, and bridgework. Many of these patients experienced muscle spasms, jaw popping and clicking, and jaw joint pain during the procedure. TMJ symptoms can also be attributed to poorly fitting caps, bridges, fillings, and dentures which can affect the alignment of the bite and the jaw joint as a whole. If teeth do not fit together properly or the jaws don't line up correctly, this can cause TMJ pain. TMJ pain can also be caused by missing back teeth and persistent wear of the TMJ cartilage as a result of the disc being in the wrong position. There are also medical procedures that have been shown to aggravate TMJ syndrome. If a patient must be intubated during surgery, the procedure can aggravate existing conditions of the jaw joint. When a patient is intubated, the jaw is open widely for a short period of time and closed during the duration of the surgery. If you suffer from TMJ pain, inform your doctor prior to undergoing any operation requiring intubation. Trauma TMJ syndrome can be experienced after various traumas, including auto accidents, sports injuries, and blows to the head or neck. These types of events trigger TMJ pain and dysfunction in the jaw joints by shearing and tearing of facial soft and hard tissues, such as teeth, muscles, nerves, ligaments, and bones. Jaw mobility can also be limited by scar tissue following an injury. Posture and Oral Habits Any activity that causes the head to be held in an unnatural position may intensify TMJ pain. Some examples of these unnatural positions include carrying a heavy bag, slouching over a desk, or cradling a phone between your ear and shoulder. If TMJ pain can be associated with this type of habitual movement, an ergonomic solution such as a hands-free headset or ergonomic seating can help. There are also certain oral habits that can lead to TMJ syndrome. Nail biting, pencil chewing, and wide yawning can increase your TMJ pain and symptoms. Also, certain hard or crunchy foods can trigger TMJ pain. Other Diseases Various diseases have also been shown to cause or aggravate TMJ pain. Immune disorders, like rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, can cause TMJ pain. Also, viral infections, like mumps and measles, can cause damage to joint surfaces, which can lead to internal derangement of the joint. Stress is another cause of TMJ pain. Stress can cause the muscles around the shoulder, neck and jaw to tighten which puts abnormal pressure on the TMJ. This is usually a temporary condition, but prolonged stress can also produce permanent muscle and ligament damage, leading to TMJ syndrome. Related Questions Back To FAQ's |
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