TMJ Blogs

The Role of Hormones in TMJ Pain: Why Women Are More Affected

Women are more likely to experience TMJ pain than men, and hormonal differences may be a key reason. Estrogen plays a role in joint health, and fluctuations in hormone levels...
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TMJ Muscle Strain from Overuse

 Overuse of TMJ muscles, such as from clenching or grinding, can lead to strain and trigger point development. This overactivity often affects the masseter, temporalis, and pterygoid muscles. Trigger points...
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Understanding the Pterygoid Muscle Referral Patterns

 Both the lateral and medial pterygoid muscles are prone to trigger points that can cause referred pain to the jaw, ear, or even the teeth. These patterns are common in...
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The Role of Jaw Muscles in Swallowing

 Swallowing involves complex movements of the TMJ and associated muscles, including the digastric and medial pterygoid. These muscles work to stabilize the jaw while guiding the food down the throat....
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TMJ Muscles and Breathing

 TMJ muscles, particularly the digastric and lateral pterygoid, can influence breathing by stabilizing the jaw. Proper function ensures that the airway remains open during activities like speaking or sleeping. Trigger...
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The Masseter’s Coupled Actions with the Pterygoids

 The masseter and pterygoid muscles often work together to achieve jaw stabilization and side-to-side motion. This coupling is essential for effective grinding and chewing. Trigger points in these muscles can...
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Referral Patterns of the Temporalis Muscle

 The temporalis muscle is a common source of referred pain in TMJ disorders. Trigger points in this muscle can cause headaches or pain that spreads to the upper teeth and...
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How TMJ Muscles Work During Speaking

 Speaking requires coordinated activity among the TMJ muscles, including the masseter, temporalis, and pterygoids. These muscles work together to control precise jaw movements needed for articulation. Trigger points in these...
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The Role of the Sternocleidomastoid in TMJ Disorders

 While not a direct TMJ muscle, the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) affects jaw function through its influence on head posture. Poor posture can strain the TMJ, causing overactivity in the SCM. Trigger...
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Trigger Points in the Buccinator Muscle

 The buccinator muscle, located in the cheeks, helps control the movement of food while chewing. Though it’s not directly involved in TMJ motion, it supports the overall function of the...
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The Digastric Muscle’s Role in TMJ Movement

The digastric muscle assists in opening the jaw and stabilizing it during swallowing and speaking. This muscle connects the lower jaw to the base of the skull, working alongside the...
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Coupled Movements of the TMJ Muscles

The TMJ muscles often work in coupled motions to achieve complex jaw movements. For example, the masseter and medial pterygoid work together to close the jaw, while the lateral pterygoid...
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