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
about 75 % of patients with TMJ disorders have a significant psychological abnormality e.g - anxiety and depression disorders and other emotional disturbances (2).
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