How does bruxism contribute to degenerative changes in the TMJ?

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Multiple Choice

How does bruxism contribute to degenerative changes in the TMJ?

Explanation:
Bruxism imposes repeated, high forces on the TMJ and its surrounding muscles. Those repeated microtraumas and sustained loading exceed the joint’s normal capacity to adapt, so the articular surfaces (such as the condylar cartilage and the disc) wear more quickly and the jaw muscles become fatigued. Over time this combination leads to degenerative changes in the TMJ, including cartilage thinning, subchondral bone remodeling, and potential disc problems. The idea here is that mechanical overload from clenching and grinding drives wear and functional strain, rather than providing stability or having no effect.

Bruxism imposes repeated, high forces on the TMJ and its surrounding muscles. Those repeated microtraumas and sustained loading exceed the joint’s normal capacity to adapt, so the articular surfaces (such as the condylar cartilage and the disc) wear more quickly and the jaw muscles become fatigued. Over time this combination leads to degenerative changes in the TMJ, including cartilage thinning, subchondral bone remodeling, and potential disc problems. The idea here is that mechanical overload from clenching and grinding drives wear and functional strain, rather than providing stability or having no effect.

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