TMJ in the Elderly Population: Psychological Impact

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TMJ in the Elderly Population: Psychological Impact
October 30, 2007
by Chrissy & Company
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emporomandibular joint disease is a common complaint among the elderly population. For many, the complication arises suddenly and without any pre-existing dental issue precipitating the complication. While the symptoms of TMJ are quite varied among the general population, most in the elderly population, who compliant of TMJ, do not report such a variety of complications.

For TMJ sufferers in their senior years, the most common complaint associated with TMJ is that of TMJ sounds when opening and closing the mouth. While the condition is most common in women, the other typical complications of TMJ, such as pain and headaches, are often not reported in men.

Among women in the elderly population, the factors that seem to prompt a complaint of temporomandibular joint disease (TMJ) do not appear to be dental related. While many female TMJ sufferers experience edentulism, or a loss of teeth, there are those who still have most teeth present and complain of TMJ just the same.

In addition to complaints of sounds, the most common issue among those, in the elderly population with TMJ, involved that of muscle weakness, pain in front of the ear and even neck and headache pain. When examined, most elderly with TMJ will show evidence of bruxism, or grinding of the teeth, as well as excessive dryness in the mouth.

If you are in your years of retirement and are experiencing pain in your jaw line, popping sensations, oral dryness, and muscle weakness, it may be necessary to seek medical attention from a healthcare provider. While the complications of TMJ often seem to be associated with a dental issue, most elderly adults who suffer from TMJ will find the complication is exacerbated by co morbid health complications and even psychological factors. By managing your other health issues, and seeking treatment for any emotional distress, depression or anxiety, you may find your TMJ symptoms will also improve.

While there is no specific treatment for TMJ, those in the elderly population who suffer from the complication often feel they must suffer in silence. Without a specific treatment, there are still ways in which to alleviate TMJ pain among this group of individuals. Through consultation with a healthcare professional, the secondary health complications should be assessed and managed. If needed, a course of anti-depressants may provide effective TMJ relief.

With many TMJ cases demonstrating signs of bruxism and dry mouth, there is believed to be a strong correlation between TMJ in the elderly population and the associated health complications. With proper medical treatment, and without the need for dental services, most symptoms of TMJ can be managed effectively.