Pain in the jaw that reaches the ear, discomfort to speak or eat . . . Behind temporomandibular stress syndrome, stress is usually maintained over time and not managed, we will explain the causes and strategies to alleviate this condition.
Stress and temporomandibular stress syndrome are often related, jaw pain and discomfort when talking, yawning and even eating are conditions that affect more and more people, this is no coincidence. With increased stress and anxiety disorders, this reality is a characteristic manifestation that the dentist sees every day in his or her office.
- Temporomandibular syndrome (SMT) or Costen syndrome is essentially this pain that is concentrated in the area of the jaw joint and surrounding muscles.
- Usually appears in the morning.
- Just when we wake up and when we feel our teeth tighten.
- Realize it’s more intense when you talk or try to eat.
From this moment you can add other drawbacks: ear congestion, tinnitus, headaches, neck tension . . . There is often a time when discomfort is so intense, diffuse and constant that the person feels overwhelmed. this condition and its triggers.
Let’s go further on that
If the temporomandibular joint had to be defined, it would be enough to visualize a hinge, a fundamental area that connects the jaw with the side of the head, with this image we can understand how decisive this area is for almost every day The simple fact of yawning in the morning when awakening is only the prelude to what will follow. Talk, chew, eat, drink?
If we feel pain, just remember that it is not just any joint, the temporomandibular region incorporates multiple structures: cartilaginous discs, muscles, ligaments, nerves, blood vessels, our teeth and finally also affects the area of the ears and neck.
Temporomandibular syndrome (SMT) was not a disease that was talked about until recently, but in recent years its incidence has increased.
Stress and temporomandibular syndrome usually appear together, however, it is most common for people to first consult the dentist for discomfort in this area, without linking this disease to a psychological disorder.
On average, this temporomandibular pain is most common in women between the age of 30 and 50.
Temporomandibular syndrome and stress are usually two sides of the same coin, however, it is always necessary to have the correct diagnosis of specialists, in general it is necessary to talk about the following triggers:
We know that stress and temporomandibular stress syndrome are closely related, we have also seen that in recent years and due to increased stress and anxiety disorders, this physical manifestation and others certainly limit our quality of life.
In these situations it is necessary to have the care and supervision of several specialists (doctors and psychologists), in the case of dentists, they may opt for the following strategies:
However, if we have been suffering from this condition for several months and other aggravators, such as insomnia, it is advisable to consult a psychologist, sometimes we feel overwhelmed by the physical symptoms and psychological triggers that limit our life, asking for help is the best and most recommended step.