Posted: November 10, 2010
TMJ: Is it Age Related? Our patients are always asking, why they have TMJ and if it is something that happens with age? This is an excellent question. Relating to age, it seems that like any other joint in the body, the TMJ joint could wear down with age. Amazingly, it is not related to age. There have been interesting radiographic studies of the the craniocervical relation in patients that are between the ages of 8 and 12 years old. Thes patients were observed during orthodontic treatment and demonstrated that 65.1% are already symptomatic. These kids do not usually experience pain at this phase. The conclusion of the study is that the joint or muscle problems or degeneration are not a problem of age. It points out that TMJ degeneration can be present at any age, with or without pain and is usually undiagnosed due to the absence of pain. The pathology is related to an abnormal relationship between the base of the skull (Occiput) and the Atlas and which are C1 and C2 on the spine. Poor relation of this complex can cause abnormal growth and development. In my opinion, more attention needs to be paid to orthodontic treatment for kids especially watching the developing spine in these children. This is not just a visual Examination but a cephalometric xray in which the neck can be viewed. Hopefully, This awareness can help reduce the high number TMJ pain patients that exists. If you have any question about Houston TMJ, Houston TMJ pain treatment, or Houston Neuromuscular Dentistry,please feel free to contact our office, Ronald W. Konig DDS, FAGD, LVIF, a Houston dentist, 713-668-2289
