2023-10-31 09:35:15
[메디컬투데이=김준수 기자] Low temperatures in the fall and winter cause the body to naturally hunker down, increasing muscle tension. In addition, when exposed to cold for a long period of time, the masseter muscle, a type of muscle attached to the skull and lower jaw bone and involved in moving the jaw joint and chewing food, is activated, causing people to clench their teeth, making temporomandibular joint disorders more likely to occur compared to other seasons.
In the temporomandibular joint, the masseter, temporalis, medial pterygoid, and pterygoid muscles perform their respective functions and enable masticatory movements. These muscles also react to temperature and become tense like other muscles. Unlike usual, when you use your muscles in a tense state, it puts a strain on your muscles and causes pain, which is why people complain of temporomandibular joint pain, especially in the fall and winter.
The temporomandibular joint can become surprisingly easily damaged due to injuries or incorrect lifestyle habits. When the temporomandibular joint does not function properly due to abnormalities in the muscles, ligaments, discs, and jawbone around the temporomandibular joint, it is commonly called temporomandibular joint disorder.
Nerves are densely packed around the temporomandibular joint, so even the slightest misalignment can cause pain, and if left untreated, it can lead to a more serious disease. In addition, various symptoms such as headaches, insomnia, and dizziness decrease the quality of life and have a significant impact on health. Initially, it only appears as a problem with the temporomandibular joint itself, but it can develop into a systemic disease, so early treatment is important.
▲ Director Euljae Lee (Photo = Provided by Natural Dental Clinic)
Temporomandibular joint pain or more can be treated non-surgically at a dentist. Among them, the most commonly used methods are physical therapy and treatment using splint devices. Pain in the temporomandibular joint can be alleviated through physical therapy that softens stiff jaw muscles. And a custom-made splint device can help teeth find the correct position when they are misaligned and prevent excessive jaw engagement, thereby relieving pain.
However, when choosing a dentist, it is best to find a place with physical therapy facilities and professional medical staff with abundant anatomical knowledge and clinical experience to determine the exact cause.
Lee Eul-jae, CEO of Incheon Natural Dental Clinic, said, “Fall and winter are the times when the jaw joint becomes tense due to the cold weather and the number of jaw joint diseases increases, so caution is needed. It is important to pay attention to keeping warm when going out, and applying sufficient heat and stretching regularly can also be very helpful in relieving muscle tension in the body. “Also, when symptoms occur, it is important to get checked out so you can receive treatment early,” he advised.
Medical Today Reporter Kim Jun-su ([email protected])
[저작권자ⓒ 메디컬투데이. 무단전재-재배포 금지]
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