Jaw joint disorder is a serious problem in the field of health, especially the teeth and mouth. Jaw joint disorder or known as Temporo Mandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder is actually a case that often occurs. However, until now it has not received much attention, even from the dentists. "Many do not know of it for sure, except in extreme cases, such as when the jaw is locked or the jaw can not be closed," said drg. Ahmad Syaify, Sp.Perio (K), Deputy Director of Medical Services at Prof. Soedomo Dental and Oral Hospital, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), in the release, Tuesday (5/1/2010). The statement was associated with the plan of holding a seminar and a short course on TMJ on Tuesday (12/1/2010) at the Faculty, UGM.
In mild cases, continued Syaify, the patient only complains that something felt wrong when he/she closes the jaw. Sometimes, patients feel that there is a ‘click’ when moving the jaw. "Unclear pains can also appear in the jaw area and even until the head areas. Complaints of frequent headaches can also probably be from TMJ," he explained.
According to Syaify, many factors can cause TMJ. Some of them are loss of teeth, the habit of chewing on one side, laughing or yawning too wide, a jaw tumor, and also accident. Interestingly, Syaify said, psychological stress factors are also able to trigger the appearance of TMJ. "About 30 percent of these disorders are due to stress," added this lecturer of Faculty of Dentistry.
The high level of stress in today’s society and in the future is potential to increase the cases. However, according to Syaify, there are actually many simple tips to prevent and overcome these disorders. That is what will be discussed in the seminar and courses next week, by presenting Prof. Dr. Lucas Meliala, Ph.D., Prof. Dr. drg. Haryo Mustiko Dipoyono, drg. Masykur Rahmat, Sp.BM, and Dr. Simeon Budi Mulya, Sp.Rad. The activity will be held to celebrate the 4th anniversary of Prof. Soedomo Hospital.