Temporomandibular Dysfunction (TMD)—Signs

I imagine that many of you have check marks next to lots of those symptoms, since as we previously stated 83 millio
Americans over the age of 12 suffer from TMD. Now we need to take a look at the signs of Temporomandibular Disorder. Signs are different from symptoms. Remember symptoms are the things that you feel or experience that are bothersome, painful or debilitating in your life. Signs are things that the doctor or someone else can see, feel or hear relating to the condition.
8 Common Signs of Temporomandibular Dysfunction:

Deviation of the lower jaw to one side or the other or in an “S” curve on wide opening or closing of the mouth.

Temporomandibular Joint sounds (popping or clicking) on opening and closing the mouth.

Limited ability to open the mouth wide – The average wide opening of the mouth in a human adult is 45 mm.

Reduced vertical dimension of the jaws – The proper vertical dimension for adults is 18 mm +/- 2 mm from the gum line of the upper front teeth to the gum line of the lower front teeth when biting together on the back teeth.

Occlusal Wear – This means visible wearing down of the biting surfaces of either the front teeth, back teeth or both.

Chronic Biting of the cheeks and/or sides of the tonguer
Abfraction Lesions – These are notches that often occur at the gum line of teeth that become sensitive to the touch. These notches are in the root surfaces of teeth.
Mandibular Tori – These are boney protrusions usually found along the tongue side of the lower jaw.

If you have determined that you have at least four of the listed symptoms and three signs then you are likely a Temporomandibular Dysfunction (TMD) sufferer and you are not alone. Over a third of all American adults have TMD to some degree. Dr. Hemingway’s solution for people who suffer from TMD is an advanced method that addresses the source of pain – not just the symptoms. His precise approach utilizes state-of-the-art technology, analysis and progressive treatment to create a proven, permanent solution.