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The Causes of TMJ

TMJ pain can be caused when chewing muscles and the temporo-mandibular joint fail to work together. Consistent cramping of these muscles leads to a cycle of tissue damage and pain.

Accidents involving jaw, head or neck injury can also cause TMJ.

Those with high stress levels and compulsive personalities have increased risks of developing TMJ pain.

Other causes include:

  • Oral habits such as clenching or grinding the teeth. These habits exhaust the muscles, leading to spasm which eventually results in pain.
  • Awkward biting. When teeth improperly align, they may cause chewing muscles stress,   resulting in pain and spasm cycles. 
  • Hyper-mobility. This occurs when the ligaments that hold the jaw in place wobble, causing the jaw to slide out of its socket.
  • Dental procedures can cause TMJ
  • Genetics
  • Hormones
  • Auto-immune diseases
Friday, May 17, 2013