Jaw dysfunction affects more than just the jaw. How does TMD affect the rest of the body? Temporomandibular joint disorder creates strain on all supporting structures, muscles, and nerves. In addition to some of these more direct consequences of TMD, that same jaw dysfunction can also affect other indirectly linked systems.
What Are the Most Common Symptoms of TMD?
TMD or temporomandibular joint disorder is known for its wide array of symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms of TMD include:
- Jaw discomfort or soreness
- Headaches
- Pain behind the eyes, in the face, shoulder, neck, and/or back
- Earaches or ringing
- Clicking or popping of the jaw joint
- Jaw clenching or teeth grinding
- Teeth sensitivity
- A change in the way the upper and lower teeth fit together
Effects on Posture
In addition to your face and neck, the temporomandibular joint can also affect body positioning and posture. To compensate for jaw dysfunction, a person’s head and neck adjust positions to stabilize. This shift in positioning can also cause slumped shoulders, hunching, or other issues postural problems.
Systemic Problems from TMD
As [link id=’114′ text=’TMD‘ esc_html=’false’] progresses, symptoms can begin to compound and worsen. Some systemic issues which can be related to TMD are:
- Irregular blood pressure
- Deterioration of digestive function
- Back or spinal pain
- Decreased oxygenation of your organs
- Diminished lung capacity
Decreased oxygenation and diminished lung capacity can radically affect your temperament, mood, and cognitive functioning. So while TMD is typically connected to physical symptoms and how they affect the body, it can also cause psychological symptoms. Because many people don’t realize the possibility of this connection, many cases of TMD go undiagnosed for extended periods.
What You Can Do Now to Stay Ahead of Symptoms
With regularly scheduled examinations, Dr. Pamela Marzban and our dental technician team can thoroughly examine patients’ jaw joints. Our advanced dental technology includes a K-7 computer system, jaw tracking, computerized mandibular scanning, and T-Scan digital bite measurement. Early diagnosis of TMD can put patients on track for pain relief and improved health. To schedule an appointment, patients can call our office at703-323-8200 or visit our [link id=’50003′ text=’website‘ esc_html=’false’].