5 Types of Arthritis That Can Cause TMJ

The underlying causes of temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) in Queens can vary considerably from person to person. One condition that can result in TMJ is arthritis, or inflammation of the joints, that affects the temporomandibular junction. There are several types of arthritis that can occur in Queens that cause TMJ pain. These include infectious arthritis, traumatic arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and secondary degenerative arthritis.

#1: Infectious Arthritis and TMJ

Infectious arthritis, sometimes called “septic arthritis,” is a joint inflammation caused by an infectious agent such as a virus or bacterium. When infectious arthritis causes TMJ, it is usually spread in the blood from an infection in an adjacent area. The jaw becomes inflamed, and movement becomes painful. TMJ due to infection is rare in Queens, but the condition is considered serious. Fortunately, it can usually be treated with antibiotics, antivirals, and other standard treatments for infections.

#2: Traumatic Arthritis and TMJ

Traumatic arthritis in Queens is caused by an acute injury. In cases of TMJ associated with traumatic arthritis, the problem usually occurs after an event such as a difficult tooth extraction or endotracheal intubation. Like TMJ due to infectious arthritis, traumatic arthritis causing TMJ is rare. It is usually treated with NSAIDs, hot compresses to reduce swelling, a diet of soft foods to minimize pain while chewing, and limitation of jaw movement.

#3: Osteoarthritis and TMJ

Osteoarthritis can affect the jaw joint and cause TMJ in Queens, usually in people over the age of 50. Osteoarthritis is a common condition among older Americans, in which mechanical stress causes damage to the bones and joints. Osteoarthritis causing TMJ usually involves stiffness, crepitus, and relatively mild to moderate jaw pain affecting the jaw bilaterally. The symptoms are usually treated as needed, although some osteoarthritic TMJ patients in Queens benefit from a mouth guard device.

#4: Rheumatoid Arthritis and TMJ

Unlike osteoarthritis, which is caused by mechanical stress to the joints with insufficient self-repair, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. In many people with rheumatoid arthritis in Queens, the temporomandibular junction is among the affected joints. TMJ caused by rheumatoid arthritis is often characterized by pain and swelling, along with limited jaw movement. NSAIDs are often used to reduce pain, and some patients also benefit from splints or mouth guards. In some cases, TMJ associated with rheumatoid arthritis can lead to ankylosis, a kind of joint stiffness that results from abnormal adhesion and rigidity in the joint bones.

#5: Secondary Degenerative Arthritis and TMJ

Secondary degenerative arthritis generally arises either after trauma to the joint, or as a result of a condition called myofascial pain syndrome. People in Queens who have TMJ due to secondary degenerative arthritis often experience pain on one side during jaw movement, along with joint tenderness and crepitus (grating or grinding sounds emitted from the joint). The ability to open the mouth is also sometimes limited. Diagnostically, TMJ with this type of arthritis can often be distinguished from osteoarthritis because in osteoarthritis, both sides of the jaw are usually affected. The symptoms can sometimes resolve when the TMJ is treated with a splint that is worn for a period of time. Sometimes, injection of corticosteroids directly into the joint can also be helpful in reducing the pain.

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5 Common Symptoms of Bruxism

Many people in Queens who exhibit bruxism--- abnormal tooth grinding or jaw clenching--- may not realize that they have this problem. Bruxism can occur either during sleep, or during wakefulness. When bruxism occurs while the person is asleep, they are not aware of the behavior at all. Even when the person clenches their jaw while awake, it isn’t usually something the person is always fully aware of. Although especially in sleep bruxism, it may be difficult or impossible for a person in Queens to catch themselves in the act in order to realize that they have bruxism, these five common symptoms of bruxism can indicate that it is a problem. 

#1: Excessive Tooth Wear

Problems with wear and tear on a person’s teeth can be symptoms of bruxism in Queens. A common tooth problem attributable to bruxism is attrition of the teeth. This means that the structure of the teeth becomes compromised due to the force of the opposing teeth due to the person grinding their teeth together. The enamel is affected first, but in later stages the softer dentin material can also be damaged. In some cases, tooth fractures or damage to crowns or fillings can also be symptoms of Bruxism. 

#2: Hypersensitive Teeth

Hypersensitivity of the teeth is also among the dental symptoms of bruxism that can occur in Queens. The dental pain tends to be sharp and of short duration, and occurs when dentin surfaces become exposed because enamel has been worn away. The most common trigger of tooth pains that are symptoms is coldness, such as pain when drinking a cold beverage. 

#3: Increase in Jaw Muscle Size

Hypertrophy, or increased size, of the masseter muscle of the jaw is also among the symptoms of bruxism that can sometimes be found in Queens. Jaw clenching strengthens the muscles over time, sometimes leading to increased muscle size that can sometimes visibly alter the shape of the person’s face by making the jaw more “square” in shape. 

#4: Pain or Tenderness of the Jaw Joints and Jaw Muscles

Tooth grinding and jaw clenching can cause fatigue in the muscles, as well as temporomandibular joint tenderness. Jaw pain is among the common symptoms of bruxism, and unexplained soreness and joint pain in the jaw and chewing muscles can be a sign that bruxism is occurring. Pain can also sometimes be referred to the ear, which is close to the structures of the jaw. 

#5: Headaches

Headaches can often be symptoms of bruxism in Queens, especially if the pain is in the area of the temples. These headaches are generally caused by pain and tension in the temporalis muscle, one of the facial muscles used in chewing.

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Risk Factors for Bruxism in Queens

Many people in Queens struggle with bruxism--- repetitive grinding of the teeth or clenching of the jaw. Bruxism often occurs during sleep, and even in awake bruxism the person may not be fully aware that they are doing it. The exact causes of bruxism are still largely unclear, although sleep bruxism is widely recognized as probably having different underlying causes than awake bruxism. Sleep bruxism in Queens may be caused by neurotransmitter abnormalities in the central nervous system, whereas awake bruxism is more strongly associated with stress, anxiety, and other psychosocial factors. Although no one is entirely sure what causes bruxism, there is some evidence that certain factors might predispose someone toward being more likely to develop bruxism.

Bruxism Risk Factors

There are a number of risk factors that have been correlated with an increased risk of bruxism in Queens, based on research and statistical studies.

·         Anxiety and stress. Bruxism in Queens, especially awake bruxism, is often tied to stress. An underlying anxiety disorder or a stressful lifestyle can increase the risk of bruxism developing. Bruxism can also be intensified by sudden stressful life events, such as bereavement or unemployment. Although the role of stress in sleep bruxism is not as well understood, it remains a possible contributing factor.

·         Personality type. People with certain types of personality are more likely to develop bruxism. Specifically, a particularly aggressive, competitive, or hyperactive personality has been linked to increased bruxism risk. Some studies suggest that suppressing anger and frustration can also lead to bruxism.

·         Tobacco use. Nicotine, a stimulant that is the active ingredient in cigarettes and other tobacco products, has been linked to bruxism. This is likely to be because nicotine stimulates dopamine release.

·         Use of prescription or recreational stimulants. Prescription stimulants like Adderall or Ritalin, as well as recreational stimulant drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine, can cause bruxism as a side effect, especially in higher doses.

·         Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors. Bruxism can occur as a relatively rare side effect of SSRIs, and generally subsides when the drug is discontinued.

·         Caffeine consumption. Like nicotine, caffeine stimulates dopamine release, and can exacerbate or cause bruxism.

·         Age and sex. Bruxism in Queens is most likely to occur in people under 40, and is more likely to occur in women than in men. A prime demographic for bruxism is women aged 27-40.

·         Facial or oral trauma may be a factor that can spur the onset of bruxism.

·         Abnormal alignment of teeth or jaws. Abnormalities in the relative size and positioning of the teeth or jaws can affect occlusion, or the way in which teeth fit together. Dental problems like an over-erupted wisdom tooth can interfere with occlusion. This does not always lead to bruxism, but in some cases malocclusion may be a precipitating factor in the development of bruxism, as opposed to being a symptom caused by bruxism.

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