The health of our mouth goes beyond teeth, gums and other soft tissues. It also includes the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
This joint is located between the temporal bone of the skull and the jaw, which is surrounded by cartilage.
The TMJ is responsible for the opening and closing movements of the mouth. It is therefore very important that it works correctly and does not cause pain when carrying out habitual actions such as eating or speaking.
There are a series of really annoying disorders or dysfunctions, such as bruxism.
What are the main causes? Unfortunately, its causes are very varied, among them we find:
- The presence of malocclusion. In other words, an incorrect bite.
- Unbalanced growth of the maxillary bones.
- Bad postural habits.
- Problems with the positioning of the joint disc.
- Contracture of the muscles in the jaw area.
- Or permanent muscular hyperactivity, bruxism. Among many other causes.
Bruxism is the most common, but not the only one.
What treatment exists to combat temporomandibular dysfunctions?
Although it is true that there are different treatments, TMJ physiotherapy has proven to be really effective in eliminating discomfort.
These treatments include massages and exercises such as relaxation, rotation, stretching and postural exercises.
These exercises can be accompanied by heat and cold. And they are ideal, because they not only relieve pain but also improve mobility in the area.
If you suffer from a temporomandibular joint disorder, don’t hesitate to visit our physiotherapy specialists to ensure the best results.
