Could Jaw Joint Dysfunction be linked to other seemingly unrelated health issues?
The jaw joint, specifically called the temporomandibular joint (TMJ for short), is in constant use every day. According to DentalCare.com website, temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is the most common musculoskeletal pain second only to low back pain. The article went on to say that up to 7% of the population has symptoms severe enough to desire treatment.
I wonder if that percentage would be higher if more people knew of some of the medical disorders that have been found to be associated with TMD.
You may be surprised to discover that according to Dr. Dwight Jennings, when the jaw is misaligned and the bite is stressed, a number of health disorders may show up in a person’s life due to the release of a very important neuropeptide called Substance P, . These medical conditions may include, but are not limited to:
- ADD/ADHD
- Aggression
- Anxiety,
- Asthma
- Autism
- Autoimmune disorders
- Back, neck, shoulder & hip pain
- Cancer,
- Depression
- Diabetes
- Dystonia
- Earache
- Epilepsy
- Fatigue
- Fibromyalgia
- Gynecological disorders
- Headaches
- Heart failure
- Hypersensitivity
- Inflammatory disease
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Leukemia
- Lymphoma
- Migraines
- Multiple chemical sensitivity
- Multiple sclerosis
- Myocarditis
- Pain (acute)
- Parkinson’s disease
- Periodontal disease
- Rheumatoid arthritis,
- Salivary flow problems
- Skin issues
- Thrombosis
- Torticollis
- Tourette’s syndrome
- https://www.dentalcare.com/en-us/ce-courses/ce395/prevalence-epidemiology-and-etiology
- https://tmjcalifornia.com/tmj-associated-medical-disorders/
- https://tmjcalifornia.com/2021/03/tmj-and-systemic-healththe-missing-link/
- https://selfhacked.com/blog/substance-p-roles/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Substance_P
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32119470/
- https://karger.com/nim/article-abstract/4/1/42/229740/Substance-P-as-an-Immune-Modulator-of-Anxiety?redirectedFrom=fulltext
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32119470/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10954033/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32119470/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32119470/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32119470/
- https://journals.lww.com/pain/Abstract/1988/01000/Elevated_CSF_levels_of_substance_P_and_high.4.aspx
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32119470/
The most common signs and symptoms of TMD are:
- Pain in the jaw joint
- Clicking, popping or crunching sound upon moving the jaw
- Limited opening of the mouth
- Deviation of the jaw upon opening or closing
- Locking or catching of the jaw joint upon opening or closing
Treatments for TMD can range from very conservative to more invasive. Dr. Azouz’s philosophy is to always start with the most conservative approach first and see if there is any alleviation of the symptoms as he believes medication and surgery are always the last treatment options that should be considered after all others are exhausted.
Treating TMD conservatively may include:
- Avoiding foods that can exacerbate the problem, such as:
-
- Tough foods (i.e. jerky, steak, etc.)
- Chewy foods (i.e. chewing gum, gummies, bagels, etc.)
- Sticky foods (i.e. sticky candy)
- Crunchy foods (i.e. raw carrots, nuts, hard crusty bread, etc.)
- Hard foods (i.e. ice, corn nuts, etc.)
- Large bites (i.e. sandwiches, whole apples, etc.)
- Inflammatory foods (sugar, fried foods, trans-fats, refined carbohydrates, etc.)
- Too much caffeine or stimulants
-
- Avoiding intentional popping or clicking of your jaw joint
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15334652/
- https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/1988PNAS…85.3235M/abstract
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32119470/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32119470/
- https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-role-of-substance-p-in-arthritis-189568
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32119470/
- https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-role-of-substance-p-in-arthritis-189568
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32119470/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32119470/
- Wearing a custom made orthotic occlusal splint oral appliance
- Thermal treatment with hot and/or cold applications (whichever works best for you or alternating between the two)
- Anti-inflammatory foods and supplements such as:
- Turmeric or Curcumin
- Ginger
- Green Tea extract
- Bromelain
- Garlic
- Liposomal Vitamin C
- Organic fruits and vegetables
- Organic whole grains
- Wild caught fish and fish oil
- Healthy organic fats (Olive, Coconut or Avocado oils, etc.)
- Manage, reduce or relieve stressors (learn quick and simple stress relief techniques such as the box breathing technique)
- Acupuncture treatment
- TMJ Release with Medical Massage Therapy
- Medications (NSAIDS, muscle relaxers, corticosteroid or Botox injections)
Daily practices that may help bring relief as well:
- Gently stretch or massage tight muscles (look up Goldfish Exercise for TMJ online)
- Listen to your favorite or relaxing music
- Self-monitor your jaw to be in a passive relaxed position with teeth slightly parted and tongue resting at the roof of the mouth
- Take a few deep breaths to relieve stress
- Take smaller bites when eating
If you have TMJ (jaw joint) pain or dysfunction, Dr. Azouz in our Citrus Heights office, is a holistic biological dentist who would love to help you find a path to relief with the most conservative approach possible. Give us a call today at 916-961-2020 to appoint a complimentary phone consultation with one of our knowledgeable team members.