The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) connect your lower jawbone to your skull, located just in front of each ear. These joints facilitate movements like chewing, talking, and yawning. Many people experience issues with these joints, leading to temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). A common question is whether a TMJ disorder can cause a fever. This article clarifies the relationship between TMJ disorders and fever, distinguishing between direct causation and scenarios where both symptoms might coexist due to other underlying health issues.
Understanding TMJ Disorders
The temporomandibular joints combine a hinge action with sliding motions, allowing for jaw movements. When these joints or the muscles controlling jaw movement experience dysfunction, it results in TMJ disorders.
Common symptoms include pain or tenderness in the jaw, face, or ear, as well as clicking, popping, or grating sounds when opening or closing the mouth. Individuals might also experience jaw stiffness, limited jaw movement, or difficulty chewing. While the exact cause of TMJ disorders can often be hard to determine, contributing factors may include injury to the jaw, teeth grinding (bruxism), or various forms of arthritis affecting the joint. Stress can also play a role in exacerbating symptoms by causing jaw tension.
Fever: The Body’s Alarm
Fever is an elevation in body temperature above the normal range, typically 100.4°F (38°C) or higher orally. It serves as a sign that the body is actively responding to an underlying issue, most commonly an infection or inflammation. This elevated temperature helps the immune system fight off invading microorganisms by creating a less hospitable environment for them.
Causes of fever include viral infections like the common cold or flu, bacterial infections such as strep throat, and various inflammatory conditions. Certain medications, vaccinations, or even autoimmune disorders can also lead to a fever.
Does TMJ Directly Cause Fever?
A TMJ disorder itself does not directly cause a fever. The pain and localized inflammation associated with TMJ disorders, while uncomfortable, generally do not trigger a systemic febrile response throughout the body. If a fever is present alongside TMJ symptoms, it most likely points to an underlying infection or another systemic condition. For instance, an infection in the jaw area, ear, or sinuses, or a dental issue like an abscess, could be the primary cause of the fever, which might also contribute to or worsen jaw pain and discomfort.
While TMJ disorders involve localized inflammation within the joint, this inflammation typically does not become widespread enough to cause a fever on its own. However, if the TMJ symptoms are part of a broader, more severe inflammatory condition or an autoimmune disorder like rheumatoid arthritis, then the systemic condition could lead to both TMJ involvement and fever. Additionally, some medications prescribed for TMJ pain or related conditions, such as certain antibiotics, can have fever as a rare side effect.
When Fever Accompanies TMJ Symptoms
If you experience a fever with TMJ symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention. A fever suggests an underlying issue that extends beyond typical TMJ dysfunction and requires proper diagnosis. This is especially true if the fever is high or accompanied by other concerning symptoms.
Common conditions that might cause fever and present with jaw pain or discomfort include ear infections, sinus infections, or dental abscesses. Other systemic illnesses, such as viral or bacterial infections, can also manifest with fever and generalized body aches, including jaw pain. A thorough medical evaluation is important to identify the true cause of the fever and ensure appropriate treatment for any coexisting conditions.