# Inflammation of the jaw joint (TMJ arthritis)
The temporomandibular joint is where the lower jaw meets the skull base. These bony surfaces are lined with a layer of cartilage and between them there is also a cartilaginous disc that contributes to reducing the friction between them. Osteoarthritis or inflammation of the jaw joint is a condition in which inflammatory processes cause damage to the cartilaginous layer, so the phenomenon is often called "degenerative joint disease".
The cause of the disorder can be trauma to the joint, chronic clenching or grinding of the teeth, prolonged dental treatment, intubation for general anesthesia, extreme changes in the bite of the teeth as in major prosthodontic treatment, and more. Often the phenomenon is part of the physiological aging process occurring in the whole body. The inflammatory process is characterized in the first stage by the accumulation of fluid in the joint cavity. With time, resorption of the articular cartilage occurs, and in advanced cases, resorption of the bony surfaces. The clinical manifestation of the disorder may include pain in the jaw joint, restricted mouth opening, and noises while opening and closing the mouth often described as crepitation or friction sounds.
To diagnose the pathology, it is necessary to find out the history of the complaint, perform a clinical examination, and review imaging such as CT or MRI. Sometimes it is difficult to reach a diagnosis because other pain conditions can mimic osteoarthritis and the differential diagnosis includes muscle myofascial pain and neurogenic nerve pain.
The treatment of temporomandibular joint inflammation begins with conservative measures that include occlusal splint (mouth guard), anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy for the joints and muscles of mastication. It is important to note that the patient is often required to develop new chewing and yawning habits that include avoiding hard and chewy foods and avoiding maximum mouth opening. When the pain is significant or the complaint is prolonged and does not respond adequately to the conservative measures, minimally invasive surgical treatment is recommended - lavage of the jaw joint (arthrocentesis) in order to remove the inflammatory fluid from the jaw joint and introduce an anti-inflammatory drug and lubricant and often plasma into the joint cavity.