Study reveals impact of TMD on adolescents

A new study has shed light on the adverse effects of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) on young people.

The report, recently published in the Journal of the Americal Dental Association, sampled a group of 100 people aged between 10 and 19 and concluded that those with TMD symptoms were more likely to suffer recurrent headaches and psychological pain.

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is vitally important as the meeting point between the jawbone and the temporal bone, and is effectively the hinge that connects the jaw to the skull. This enables comfortable eating and talking. Problems can occur as a consequence of misaligned teeth, excessive clenching or incorrect head and neck posture.

People with TMD symptoms typically experience a greater degree of pain, psychological distress and symptom burden than other unaffected youngsters in their age group. Over three quarters of the TMD affected group in this study reported intermittent pain, driven in large part by mastication, mouth opening or parafunctional activity. In total, 39% of the participants claimed to have experienced headaches in the previous month. Many of these also reported a higher level of anxiety or depression.

While the study has limitations, in terms of the reliability of people’s unique perception biases, the findings emphasise the need for routine psychosocial screenings and headache evaluations as care solutions for those who are affected. For people considering TMJ therapy in Chester, get in touch with the leading team at Art of Dental Care today to set up an appointment, and together we can discuss a suitable treatment plan.