TMJ/Occlusion
Most Restorative-trained dentists will be able to make an initial diagnosis of a problem with your occlusion or TMD. Depending upon the dentist’s training and the severity of your problem you may then need to be referred to a dentist with a special interest who can carry out tests and x-rays as required. This could be a specialist such as a Prosthodontist or Restorative dentist, or a specially trained dentist in private practice. The first phase of treatment will usually be some form of appliance (splint) that will help to establish a proper diagnosis.
If you stand in front of a mirror in a good light you can check a few things. Firstly, open your mouth and, without moving it around, look at your tongue – does it have indentations? And your cheeks, are there lines along the inside that match where your teeth meet? Finally your teeth, rub them together and have a look if they fit together in particular positions – that may be where you are habitually holding them and you could have worn them away so much that they now fit like a key in a lock.
It does seem strange, but studies show that about 80% of the population have this habit from time to time. It tends to be worse at more stressful times, such as before exams and holidays, and it’s often worse in more intelligent people who normally appear to cope well with stress. There’s also some evidence that clenching and grinding takes place more during REM (dreaming) sleep. For further information you should contact a BARD certified dentist.
Q 4. What is “TMD”?
TMD usually refers to a “disorder” of the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) and the muscles and nerves that control the movement of the jaws. If the joints are affected this could cause pain just in front of the ears, particularly on wide opening or chewing hard foods, or some limitation of movement and reduced function. Headaches, migraines, sinus pain, dizziness and joint noises are also common symptoms in TMD. Restorative dentists are trained to treat this condition by aligning the bite and the use of night guards.
Q 5. What makes it worse?
Clenching or grinding your teeth, which many people do due to stress, will put much more strain on the teeth, muscles and joints, particularly if it’s done during sleep when you don’t have conscious control over your actions. Other factors like a whiplash injury, holding your mouth open wide during root canal therapy, or even just yawning and shouting can also bring on problems.
If your teeth don’t meet evenly, such as when you have a new filling or crown that is slightly “high”, this could cause pain on biting or with extremes of temperature. In the long term you could develop mobile teeth, receding gums, fractures, abnormal wear, tension headaches and even jaw joint problems such as stiffness, clicking and locking.
When you bite together your teeth should, ideally, meet evenly on the back teeth and allow you to chew efficiently and comfortably. However, teeth may grow or drift into the wrong place, they may be lost due to decay, trauma or gum disease or they may just wear away over time; all of which could result in occlusal problems. For more information please contact a BARD certified dentist.
Dental occlusion is the way in which your teeth contact when you bite together, swallow, chew or clench. Your dentist will routinely make an assessment of your occlusion based on whether it is a comfortable and stable relationship that works well for you. A poor occlusion might lead to more serious problems later in life, so your dentist may suggest ways in which it might be improved as a preventative measure. For more information please consult your BARD certified dentist.