TMD may hinder the health of a patient with sickle cell disease

It is important to increase your knowledge of side effects if you have other conditions. For example, sickle cell disease (SCD) and TMD. SCD affects millions of people around the world–both adults and children. It is a potentially fatal disease, which is why it is important to raise awareness, especially if there is a connection with another painful condition like TMD. 

So, with Sickle Cell Day fresh in our minds, let’s take a look at TMD and how that might hinder a person’s health when suffering from Sickle Cell.

Sickle cell disease and TMD

Sickle cell disease is a congenital blood disorder. The abnormal hemoglobin causes microinfarcts that lead to multiorgan alterations, including dental involvement. The entire oral and maxillofacial region may be involved, affecting the teeth, multiple oral structures, and maxillofacial bones. Patients with SCD are commonly affected by bone and joint complications, including the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). 

Patients complaining of chronic pain can often experience pain in the orofacial region, especially in the area of the TMJ. With complications in chewing and talking, sickle cell can often be exhibited for those suffering from TMD. For this reason it is important to undergo a series of testing for your patients to determine if the cause of pain is purely sickle cell disease, or if it can be treated due to it being TMD. 

Oral appliance therapy for TMD relief

Oral appliance therapy is an extremely helpful and successful technique in treating TMD. These devices are extremely popular among TMD patients due to the simplicity and comfort of the appliance. People describe the appliance as being similar to a retainer for orthodontic treatments, which helps patients feel more comfortable with treatment. These appliances are made to fit a patient’s mouth and their mouth only. 

By utilizing this as a treatment option for TMD, we hope that this, too, will help in finding relief for some cases of sickle cell disease. And, while studies continue to be conducted in this area, it is important to pay close attention to your patients’ symptoms. 

Contact us at Craniofacial Pain & Dental Sleep Center of Georgia to learn more about how you can find relief from TMD pain.