Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) affects children as well as adults. Limited jaw function in these early years can cause many problems for children, impacting their quality of life. Whilst children may understand the simplicity of broken bones and cuts, TMD is a more complex issue. Child prevalence of TMD is broad, ranging from 6-68%.[i] Paediatric…
Self-care is how individuals and families maintain their own health, prevent disease and cope with illness – without the support of someone else. [i] For patients with chronic conditions, self-care is vital for recovery. It gets patients to adjust to a condition and also try to overcome it where possible. Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is…
We are always listening to something. It could be music, podcasts, a TV show or an audiobook. Our hearing is so important to our daily lives that we take it for granted. Hearing loss is a growing problem in the UK. 18 million adults are either deaf, losing their hearing or have tinnitus – that is…
Headaches need little introduction. From people aged five to people aged 80, headache disorders are one of the three most common neurological conditions. There are many common, well-known causes, such as stress, disrupted sleep patterns, certain foods and, famously, alcohol. However, many may overlook the importance of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) as a risk factor…
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is essential for speech and eating. When it’s damaged or diseased, enjoying food and speaking with confidence becomes limited. Changes in the facial aesthetics can also increase self-consciousness. As such, quality of life is affected. Condylar joints are found across the body and support flexible movements.i For the jaw, the two…
What is the link between connective tissue disease and oral health? The human body is a mix of organs and bones bound together by tissue. There are four types of tissue: epithelial, muscle, nervous, and connective.i Damaged connective tissue reduces how well the body functions. Connective tissue disease (CTD) encompasses a range of autoimmune diseases….
Arthritis of the TMJ Arthritis is a condition that causes pain and swelling in the joints. It is widespread, with 10 million people in the UK diagnosed with osteoarthritis, 450,000 adults diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and 190,000 adults estimated to have psoriatic arthritis (PsA).i This high prevalence shows the need for a greater understanding…
Temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) has a prevalence reported to be as high as 25%, making it a common clinical feature, arising from dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the associated jaw and facial muscles.[i] Whilst it is common, it has often been seen as a simple mechanical joint dysfunction, rather than the complex chronic pain…
Deep impact Trauma, a physical injury or wound or a psychological shock, will be experienced by 50-70% of the UK’s population at some point in their life.i There can be many sources: traffic accidents, being a victim of a crime or witnessing one, playing sports or an accident in the workplace are just some of…
Support patients suffering from temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) with the OraStretch Press, which can be easily incorporated into management plans. Distributed by Total TMJ, this device can be used at home to maximise patients’ range of motion – typically, they will gain 1-2mm per week – and help the jaw muscle get stronger. Available in 5…