#37 Relationship Between TMD and Other Diseases

Periodontal Disease is a well-known and well-studied condition of the supporting structures of the teeth.  Patients with periodontal disease develop chronic inflammation of these supporting structures, and left untreated will eventually lead to the loss bone and the loss of teeth.  The first studies showing the association between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease were made over 30 years ago.  More resent studies have shown a relationship between periodontal disease and Type 2 Diabetes, Nonalcholic fatty liver disease, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Rheumatioid Arthritis, Colorectal Cancer, Alzheimer’s Disease and Adverse pregnancy outcomes. (Nature Review/Immuniology, Volume 21, July 2021).

The common factor between periodontal disease and these extra-oral diseases are the components of chronic inflammation which influence the cells in the bone marrow which generate blood and immune system cells increasing susceptibility to these co-morbid diseases.

The take home message from these studies is you should not let periodontal disease go untreated because it can lead to initiating or worsening the problems noted above.  This should concern anyone with untreated periodontal disease.

It follows that any disease that exhibits a significant amount of chronic inflammation that is left untreated would likewise increase susceptibility or worsen these co-morbid diseases.

It surprises me that 30 years of excellent research activity directed to the extra oral association of chronic inflammation in Periodontal Disease has totally ignored the chronic inflammation which is an integral part of TMD/TMJ.  Anyone who studies TMD knows that chronic inflammation within the joint is seen in every case.  Having performed more than 2000 TMJ surgical procedures I found 100% of the pathology reports stated “chronic inflammation” as the first item on the case summary.  So why has chronic inflammation associated with TMD/TMJ not been given the same careful consideration that chronic inflammation of Periodontal Disease has been afforded?

The answer is, those that claim to study TMD/TMJ have been given a phony road map.  They have been led to believe the solution resolves around the muscles of mastication rather than the common denominator of all TMD/TMJ cases, inflammation.

This phony road map deserves much discussion, but I’ll reserve that for a later article.

If you think you have TMD/TMJ and would like a consultation don’t hesitate to give us a call or check out our website at www.tmjservicesofbrentwood.com.