Temporomandibular system

there are three basic components in temporomandibular system.
1) TMJ (Temporomandibular joint) – To connect your lower jaw to your skull.
2) Teeth
3) Neuromuscular- As you know the upper jaw (maxilla) does not move only our lower jaw (mandible) moves. The nerves and muscles are involved in moving the lower jaw only. These nerves and muscles make neuromuscular system.

TMJ disorder can defined as a Pain and dysfunction in the joints and surrounding muscles that creates difficulties in speaking, chewing, eating, swallowing and making other jaw movements. Some times you feel headache due to pain. You can also feel pain in ears, neck and shoulders. Some people feel that when they eat or speak something then they hears some joint sounds .in TMJ disorder many people incapable to open their mouth wide.

There are three main categories of TMJ disorder.
• Muscle disorders - it affect the muscles that control the TMJ (also of neck and face)
•Joint derangement disorders- are caused by displaced disk ,dislocated jaw, and injured bone.
• Degenerative joint disorders- Arthritis and other similar conditions that destroy the cartilage covering the joint are the causes of this disorder.

Causes
If the chewing muscles in the Temporomandibular joint do not work properly then TMJ disorder occurs. some other causes are injuries to the jaw area, Muscle tension, Injury, Arthritis , Internal derangement, Hyper mobility, Birth abnormalities.
Symptoms

Common symptoms of TMJ disorder are given below-

1) Headache is one of the sign of TMJ disorder.
2) Earache
3) jaw pain
4) Dull, aching facial pain
5) difficulty in biting ( chewing)
6) Grating sensation
7) unable to open or close the mouth
8) joint sound while chewing or opening the mouth

Treatment for TMJ disorder
Mostly the TMJ disorder is temporary. Almost 80 % people get rid of TMJ disorder without any medications or treatment.
Treatment of TMJ disorder is most effective with the combination of dental and medical therapy. Some people get relief from the use of muscle relaxants .for mild problem aspirin or no steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is also being useful.
If any person has this problem by birth then surgery is used to treat the TMJ disorder.

Prevention
There is some certain precautions which you take to need-

1) don’t eat hard food.
2) Try to reduce stress and muscle tension.
3) Get plenty of sleep.
4) Always be in good posture, particularly when you work daily at computer.
5) To decrease the risk of fractures and dislocations always use safety measures.