TMD: constant headache is one of the symptoms of the condition that affected Virginia

the influencer Virginia Fonseca revealed that she was diagnosed, on Friday (27), with temporomandibular disorder (TMD), a condition that affects the jaw joints and chewing muscles. The influencer, married to singer Zé Felipe, suffered from severe migraines, caused by changes in the temporomandibular joint.

This joint connects the mandible to the temporal bone of the skull, which is located in front of the ears. It is what allows chewing, speech and biting, while the muscles around it are responsible for controlling the position and movements of the jaw.

Read more: Constant headache: 9 possible causes and how to alleviate it

Virgínia told on her social media that temporomandibular disorder was the cause of her constant headaches. In fact, this may be one of the main symptoms of TMD, as explained by dentist João Paulo Colesanti Tanganeli in an article previously published in MinhaVida.

In addition to a headache, symptoms of temporomandibular disorders include:

What causes TMD?

The causes for TMD are multifactorial and may be related to arthritis in the temporomandibular joint, stress, muscle tension, hormonal changes, poor posture and habits such as teeth grinding, nail biting and chewing gum.

The diagnosis can be made through physical and imaging examinations, such as X-ray, computed tomography and magnetic resonance, all performed in the jaw region. Specialists who can diagnose the disease are dentists, oral and maxillary surgeons and craniomaxillofacial surgeons.

The treatment of the disease can be done with the use of plates or interocclusal devices. Medicines may also be part of the treatment, including pain relievers, muscle relaxants and sedatives.

Is caries a risk factor for TMD?

During her report, Virgínia told, along with her dentist Raulino Borges, that lesions in the dental arch, caused by caries, can change the mouth closing pattern, leading to TMD.

“When you have a cavity and it is not corrected immediately, or when the installation is not done properly, it will change the position of the teeth, which changes the pattern of closure. Changing the closing pattern is what gives TMD”, said the Virginia stories expert.

Know more: Tartar, caries and plaque: what are they and how to take care of oral health?

In view of the repercussions of the case, the Brazilian Society of Temporomandibular Dysfunction and Orofacial Pain published a note reinforcing that, in fact, tooth loss caused by caries can impact the way the patient chews or closes the mouth, which can lead to TMD. .