PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTOR IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT PAIN DYSFUNCTION

The temporomandibular joint is considered to be one of the most complex joints in terms of structure. It is a movable joint that connects the skull and the lower jaw. It is also one of the most active in the body, as it is involved in speaking, swallowing, and eating. The most prevalent diseases of this joint are characterised by the presence of pain and dysfunction. Individuals afflicted by this ailment frequently report a dull pain in the affected joint region, accompanied by symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and discomfort in the cervical spine and the occipital region. These manifestations tend to intensify towards the late afternoon. Additionally, patients often experience auditory symptoms, including a clicking sensation in the affected joints during the act of eating, a constricted mouth opening, hearing impairment, and tinnitus. This comprehensive array of symptoms was initially documented by Kosten in 1934 and was subsequently observed in patients who had experienced the loss of all their teeth. The development of pain dysfunction can be attributed to a number of factors, including but not limited to: joint injuries, prolonged appointments with dentists without adequate rest periods, decreased bite height due to tooth loss and increased abrasion, bruxism (involuntary clenching and grinding of teeth during sleep), malocclusion, and the influence of psychological stress factors.