The TMJ—or temporomandibular joint—is an excellent example of the way our body systems affect one another. This joint is located on either side of the face, where the jawbone connects to your temple. However, some of the TMJ disorders you might encounter are not caused by your teeth or gums, and some of the symptoms don’t stay localized in the TMJ area.
As a biological dentistry practice, we are concerned with treating your TMJ disorder. A misaligned temporomandibular joint can indicate occlusal disease and cause stress or closure to your airway.
The Temporomandibular Joint
The TMJ is responsible for keeping your mouth, airway, and jaw in the position it ought to be. If it is not functioning, the wellness of your entire body, not just your mouth, are at risk.
If you are suffering from temporomandibular disorders (TMD), occlusal disease, or airway disorders, your TMJ is going to be involved. Ensuring that your TMJ is in alignment is essential to treating the pain, discomfort, and poor health that can come with these disorders.
Airway Health and Your Jaw
A occlusion is where the jaw is out of alignment. When your jaw is occluded, you risk a smaller or even entirely closed airway. An airway that has been partially closed off can cause:
- Obstructive Sleep Disorder
- Pain in the TMJ
- Headaches throughout the day
- Asthma
- Inflammation
- Poorer immune function
We believe that a healthy and open airway can lead to a better life for you. If you are struggling with a smaller aiway, treating occlusions in the TMJ can completely free up your airway.
You can visit our airway and occlusal disease page to learn more about your airway health and how we can help.
Craniofacial and Respiratory Development for Children
Respiratory issues in children can lead to the symptoms mentioned above and developmental delays. Orthodontic work, mouth guards, and myofunctional therapy can help a child develop airway health that stays with them into adulthood.
Craniofacial therapy can assist children in growing a healthy jaw free of occlusions, preventing respiratory issues later on in life. We work with some of the best physical therapists and orthodontists in the Seacoast area to offer you and your children solutions to an occluded jaw.
Temporomandibular Disorders
TMD is a term that refers to these many types of damage or stress. They can stem from something as straightforward as blunt trauma from a sporting injury or automobile accident.
Most often, however, the causes are less direct, including:
- Overuse
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Teeth grinding or clenching
- Jaw misalignment
- Arthritis
Stress and anxiety are particularly surprising to many people as a prime cause of TMDs. However, stress in your life can result in serious muscle tension in your head, neck, shoulders, and back. Just one of the results of that tension is the potential for a TMJ disorder.
The Symptoms of TMD
TMDs come in a variety of forms. The level of injury and number of symptoms is slightly different for each person. Some of the most common symptoms are listed below.
You may have a temporomandibular disorder if you experience:
- Jaw locking or popping
- Difficulty with chewing or speaking
- Regular migraines
- Tenderness in the jaw
- Ringing in your ears
- Muscle spasms in the face, ear, or jaw area
- Pain in the temple while chewing or speaking
Resolving even one of these symptoms can have lasting effects on your health, and in living your full life. Many TMJ treatments are available to help heal the temporomandibular joint, reduce your symptoms, and bring you lasting headache relief.
What Is Occlusal Disease?
Occlusal disease occurs when there is an improper alignment between the upper and lower teeth, leading to excessive wear, fractures, and damage to the teeth. This misalignment can cause significant strain on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the surrounding muscles, contributing to TMJ disorders.
Symptoms of Occlusal Disease
Occlusal disease can present with various symptoms, including:
- Uneven wear on teeth
- Broken teeth
- Tooth sensitivity
- Jaw pain or discomfort
- Frequent headaches or migraines
- Difficulty in chewing or biting
- Clicking or popping sounds in the jaw
Understanding the Occlusal Disease Connection to TMD
Occlusal disease and TMJ disorders are intricately connected. When your bite is misaligned, it places undue stress on your TMJ, leading to inflammation and discomfort. This stress can cause muscle tension not only in your jaw but also in your neck and shoulders, contributing to chronic pain and other systemic issues.
Properly diagnosing and treating occlusal disease is crucial in managing and alleviating the symptoms of TMD. By addressing the root cause of the misalignment, we can help restore balance to your bite, reduce TMJ strain, and improve your overall quality of life. We strive to ensure that all aspects of your oral health and overall wellness are considered in the treatment plan.
Get Headache Relief and More with TMD Treatment
Brentwood Dental Designs, located in the Brickyard Square Shopping center north of Brentwood, is an ideal place to provide headache relief, maintain dental health, and bring your whole body back to a state of balance. If you suffer from TMJ pain or discomfort, don’t hesitate to reach out for pain relief at the hands of our excellent professionals.