|
Muscle spasm
goes hand-in-hand with displaced jaw joints. Because the
nerves and muscles are so complex in this area, when
these muscles are in spasm the problems can be
far-reaching. People suffer from symptoms they would
never think to associate with their bite, such as:
-
Headaches
-
Pain
behind the eyes
-
Dizziness
-
Earaches
or ringing of the ears
-
Clenching
or grinding of the teeth
-
Neck,
shoulder, or back pain
-
Numbness,
or tingling of the fingers
The primary
problem can be in the joints themselves, the muscles of
the face and jaw, or a combination of these. The term
Craniomandibular Dysfunction (cranio = head; mandibular
= jaw) is a more descriptive term because it refers to
problems involving both the jaw joints themselves and
the muscles of the face and head. Because the symptoms
masquerade as so many other conditions, many people
travel from doctor to doctor in search of a cure. It is
estimated that as many as 44 million Americans suffer
from one or more of these symptoms. Many never think to
seek a dentist for help.
What Causes
Craniomandibular Dysfunction?
The structures that make it possible to open and close
your mouth include the bones, joints, and muscles. These
are very specialized and must work together whenever you
chew, speak, or swallow. Your teeth are inserted in your
jaw bone. At the other end of your jaw bone are the
temporomandibular joints. These joints attach your jaw
to your skull. Muscles attach both the bones and joints
and allow them to move. Any problem which prevents the
complex system of muscles, bones, and joints from
working together in harmony may result in
Craniomandibular Dysfunction.
A "Bad Bite"
There are various ways this system can be disrupted,
such as accidents involving a blow to the face or a
whiplash. Yet the most common cause of Craniomandibular
Dysfunction relates to your teeth and your bite. If your
bite isn't right, it can affect both the muscles and the
joints. What do we mean by a "bad bite"? We mean that
your upper and lower teeth do not come together in a way
that provides the proper bracing support for your jaw
against your skull. This might result from a missing
tooth, misaligned teeth, or back teeth, which are too
"short."
Muscle Spasm
Your upper and lower teeth must come together firmly
each time you swallow. This happens over 2000 times each
day and night! When your bite is unstable your muscles
must work extra hard. This extra work makes them
shortened and stiff. Eventually this strain makes them
feel painful. A vicious cycle begins of increased tissue
damage, muscle tenderness, and pain. The pain makes you
feel tense and uptight. This worsens the muscle spasm,
which in turn increases the pain.
Jaw Joint
Displacement
The position of your teeth can also affect the position
of your jaw joints. Each jaw joint is a ball and socket
joint. When functioning properly, the ball and socket do
not actually touch because a thin disc of cartilage
rides between them. The disc acts as a cushion and
allows the joint to move smoothly. Each disc is held in
place and guided by muscle. If your bite is not right,
the joint is pulled out of alignment. Typically the disc
is pulled forward. Since it no longer serves as a
cushion, the joint itself now rubs against the boney
socket and presses on pain fibers. Mild displacements
cause a clicking or popping sound in the jaw joint; more
severe displacements can be very painful and eventually
can cause permanent damage to the joint.
An unstable bite can cause both jaw joint displacement
and muscle strain and pain. Many seemingly unrelated
symptoms result which are collectively known as
Craniomandibular Dysfunction. When this condition is
prolonged, the body begins to compensate and adapt by
involving muscles in the neck, back, and even sometimes
those of the arms, fingers, pelvis, legs, and feet.
Treatment
Since the teeth, jaw joints, and muscles can all be
involved, treatment for this condition varies.
Typically, treatment will involve several phases. The
first goal is to relieve the muscle spasm and pain.
Then, your dentist must correct the way the teeth fit
together. Often a temporary device (known as an orthotic,
or "splint") is worn over the teeth until the bite is
stabilized. Permanent correction may involve selective
re-shaping of the teeth, building crowns on the teeth,
orthodontics, or a permanent appliance to lay over the
teeth. If the jaw joint itself is damaged, it must be
specifically treated. Though infrequent, surgery is
sometimes required to correct a damaged joint.
Ultimately, your dentist will stabilize your bite so
that the teeth, muscles, and joints all work together
without strain. The important aim of correcting your
bite is to insure optimal long-term health. If you have
any of the signs or symptoms mentioned, discuss them
with your dentist. Your health is your most priceless
possession. It is worth the investment!
 |
