aetiology
Last edited 11/2019
- the causes of TMJ disorders are not always clear (1) but is likely to be multifactorial (2)
- these can be divided into initiating factors, predisposing factors and perpetuating
factors (3)
- probable causes of some TMJ disorders include:
- trauma from a severe blow to the jaw
- degeneration of the joint
- osteoarthritis
- rheumatoid arthritis
- displacement or dislocation of the disk (4)
- other forms of inflammation
- other probable contributing causal factors include (1)
- dental malocclusion is no longer considered a causal factor - a systematic review concluded that " seems to lack ground to further hypothesise a role for dental occlusion in the pathophysiology of TMD.." (5)
- emotional stress producing masseter spasm
- responses to stress
- anxiety
- habits that overwork the jaw muscles, such as (1)
- chewing on a pen
- chewing gum
- overenthusiastic kissing
- poor posture of the head, neck and shoulders (1)
- e.g. pushing the head forward or slouching while working at a computer
- this may strain the muscular and skeletal systems that are
related to the jaw muscles and joints
- this may strain the muscular and skeletal systems that are
related to the jaw muscles and joints
- e.g. pushing the head forward or slouching while working at a computer
- about 75 % of patients with TMJ disorders have a significant psychological abnormality e.g - anxiety and depression disorders and other emotional disturbances (2).
Reference:
- (1) TMJ disorders. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). 1998-2008.
- (2) Jennifer J. Buescher. Temporomandibular Joint Disorders. Am Fam Physician 2007;76:1477-82, 1483-84.
- (3) Durham J. Temporomandibular disorders (TMD): an overview. Oral Surgery 2008;1:60–68
- (4) The temporomandibular joint (TMJ).American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS). 2005
- (5) Manfredini D et al. Temporomandibular disorders and dental occlusion. A systematic review of association studies: end of an era?J Oral Rehabil. 2017 Nov;44(11):908-923