Clicking, popping or grinding noises in the jaw may indicate TMJ which, if left untreated, can progress to pain, swelling and lockjaw. Loud chronic snoring could be a symptom of sleep apnea, which may be treated with an oral appliance. Missing even one tooth can impact jaw function and cause adjacent teeth to shift, and the jaw itself to shrink. Headaches and other symptoms like ear, sinus or eye pressure may indicate TMJ and get worse without treatment. Malocclusions like overbites, underbites or crossbites can cause functional and aesthetic issues for adults who may benefit from orthodontics. Unusual speech patterns could signify an orofacial myofunctional disorder which

1. Symptoms
&
Conditions
That
Should
Prompt a
Call to
Our Office

2. Clicking, popping, or grinding noises when
biting or chewing may be a sign of disc
displacement caused by TMJ. Left
untreated, symptoms may progress to
pain, swelling, and even complete lockjaw.
NOISES IN THE JAW

3. Loud, chronic snoring is not only
disruptive, it may be a symptom of sleep
apnea. If obstruction is the cause of your
snoring, a customized orthotic might be
all it takes to restore a quiet and peaceful
night’s rest.
SNORING

4. Even one missing tooth can impact the
function of your jaw. Equally troubling,
when not replaced, adjacent teeth may
slip out of place and the jaw itself may
shrink in the area where the tooth
previously resided.
MISSING TEETH

5. Like noises in the jaw, headaches may be a
symptom of TMJ. So too might pressure in
the ears, sinuses, and behind the eyes,
pain in the neck or shoulders, and
frequent backaches. When not treated,
these symptoms will likely get worse.
HEADACHES

6. Overbite, underbite, crossbite, and other
types of malocclusion may pose both
functional and aesthetic problems. Even
adults can benefit from correcting these
bite irregularities with personalized
orthodontic treatments.
MALOCCLUSION

7. Unusual speech patterns may be a sign of
an orofacial myofunctional disorder
(OMD). Additional symptoms include
breathing difficulties and irregular facial
skeletal growth. OMDs may also be a
precursor for TMJ, which often results in
additional pain and limitation.
UNUSUAL SPEECH
PATTERNS

8. If you frequently awake with a headache,
sore throat, or dry mouth, you may be
suffering from sleep apnea. Additional
symptoms include excessive daytime
fatigue, memory and concentration
problems, and increased irritability. Sleep
apnea increases risks for heart attack,
hypertension, and weight gain among
other health issues.
WAKING WITH A SORE
THROAT OR DRY MOUTH.

9. Facial sagging occurs with age, but the
condition may be exacerbated by
underlying dental issues. A nonsurgical
dental facelift combines cosmetic,
restorative, and neuromuscular dentistry
to produce a firmer, more lifted, and
more youthful appearance.
SAGGING FACIAL TISSUE

10. Another symptom of TMJ, numbness in
the arms or legs may be intermittent or
persistent, but it should not be ignored.
TMJ may eventually result in chronic pain
and can even alter digestive function and
posture.
NUMBNESS IN THE ARMS
OR FINGERS

11. Gums that bleed easily are often in the
earliest stages of gum disease. Prompt
treatment of this issue can help treat
persistent halitosis, gum swelling and
redness, and the threat of tooth loss.
Untreated gum disease is linked to jaw
necrosis, cardiac arrest, type 2 diabetes,
kidney and liver failure, several types of
cancer, and even dementia.
BLEEDING GUMS

12. While acute oral health issues should be dealt
with promptly, many of these problems can be
prevented through routine cleanings and
examinations. If you are experiencing an oral
health problem or if it has been longer than six
months since your last dental visit, call
(713) 668-2289 to schedule an appointment
with Ronald W. Konig, DDS, FAGD, LVIF, FIAPA.