Neurologist warned about the danger of morning pain in the jaw

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) plays a key role not only in chewing, but also in speech, facial expressions, and even the immune system. Ignoring problems with the lower jaw can lead to serious health problems. On April 7, Artem Baryshev, a neurologist and chiropractor at the SM Clinic, told Izvestia about the less obvious but dangerous symptoms of TMJ.

According to him, the lower jaw is attached to the skull in a very mobile joint, and as many as four muscles are responsible for its movement at once, just to ensure mobility and adequate chewing. In addition, these same muscles replace each other and serve as "fuses" so that a person does not lose speech, facial expressions and the ability to adequately consume food.

"Due to the fact that there are four muscles in the joint, a number of problems can develop with its pathologies. In particular, these are facial and headaches, including in the facial and masticatory muscles, due to constant overloads," Baryshev said.

He explained that due to the habit of using only one side of the jaw for chewing, a joint may develop a disorder that eventually leads to chronic inflammation.

A particular danger, according to the neurologist, is involuntary gnashing of teeth — bruxism, which causes the destruction of tooth enamel and a change in the position of teeth. Another non-obvious consequence may be the development of chronic inflammation in the oropharynx. The fact is that the normal operation of the joint allows the circulation of lymph, which stimulates the activity of local immunity. Baryshev explained that without this, foci of infections can form in the tissues.

The doctor named the key symptoms that require attention: morning pains in the jaw, difficulty opening the mouth when two folded fingers do not fit between the teeth, squeezing headaches in the temples and decreased facial mobility.

"If you consider yourself generally healthy, do not experience any special physical difficulties, but at the same time you have constant tension in your neck and limited mobility, then it is likely that part of the cervical skeleton takes on the load from the jaws," the neurologist added.

To prevent complications, the specialist recommends paying attention to early symptoms, practicing facial exercises and, if necessary, correcting the bite.

Earlier, on March 28, Victoria Radko, an orthodontist and head of the orthodontic department at the EUROKAPPA clinic Scientific and Clinical Center, told Izvestia which products are good for teeth. According to her, one of the key elements is calcium. It is a building material for tooth enamel, it strengthens dentin and prevents tooth decay. In combination with fluoride and phosphorus, it makes the enamel more resistant to caries. This element is found in dairy products, especially hard cheeses, as well as fish and nuts.