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Signs
and symptoms of TMD
Pain or dysfunction of the head and neck is a very common condition
and one that might be resolved very simply or might be very complex
and frustrating to treat, depending upon the circumstances.
The
bite can be a factor in many types of pain or functional problems
because of the inter-relationship of the overall musculoskeletal
system. Since there is a relationship between the teeth jaw joints,
head and neck muscles, and head posture, a problem in any one of
these areas may affect others. These can include painful clicking
or popping of the jaw joint, various types of head and neck pain,
swallowing problems, postural problems, and excessive snoring or
sleep apnea, to mention a few.
If
it is suspected that you suffer from this type of problem, the neuromuscular
dentist may ask you if you have any of the symptoms shown in the
table below. In addition they, will be looking for a number of signs
in your posture, the appearance and condition of your teeth, and
your existing bite that might aid in the diagnosis. An imperfect
bite often plays a significant role in these conditions and the
dentist experienced in treating them may resolve the problem alone.
However, diagnosing these problems can be very difficult at times
and may require the collective efforts of your dentist and other
health care professionals. These may include your doctor, an ear,
nose and throat specialist, physical therapist, chiropractor or
massage therapist.
| Musculoskeletal
signs and symptoms
Do you suffer
from any of these? |
-
Headaches |
-
Clenching or grinding |
- Jaw joint
pain |
- Facial
pain |
- Jaw joint
noises or clicking |
- Sensitive
teeth |
- Limited
mouth opening |
-Chewing
difficulties |
- Ear congestion |
- Neck pain |
- Dizziness |
- Postural
problems |
- Ringing
in the ears |
- Tingling
of the fingertips |
- Difficulty
swallowing |
- Hot and
cold sensitivity of teeth |
-
Loose teeth |
- Nervousness
or Insomnia |
The
dentist's diagnosis
The neuromuscular dentist will consider all of the information gathered
by taking your history and doing a physical examination of you teeth,
head and neck. When indicated, they may conduct a series of tests
using non-invasive electronic instruments.
Data
from these tests will indicate to your dentist whether your bite
is a major contributing factor to your problem and will help rule
in or rule out your bite as the cause of, or major component of,
your condition. If these tests show that your habitual bite is a
probable cause of your condition or pain, the neuromuscular dentist
then identifies a jaw position determined by the relaxed state of
the muscles. This jaw position and the corresponding new bite is
called neuromuscular occlusion.
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