Lyme Disease Support Group
Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne disease in the Northern Hemisphere. It is now one of the fastest growing infectious diseases in the U.S. Lyme disease is caused by infection with the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria, and is primarily transmitted to humans as well as dogs, horses and other domesticated animals by the bite of infected ticks.
If no 'real' reason can be found for them---- suspect Lyme disease.
A real reason would be an x-ray showing decay or abscess or other problems. TMJ pain is a bit more problematic but before a person has the expensive procedure(s) done for correcting it----- suspect Lyme.
This was written by a Dental Hygienist for Dental Hygienists:
"Dental Hygienists
The best time for dental hygienists to detect symptoms
of Lyme disease is during an oral cancer exam. Many signs
can appear in or around the mouth.
For example, data suggest that temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthritis can be linked to chronic Lyme disease. Patients may complain of
dental pain or of facial pain that simulates toothache in the
absence of any detectable dental or orofacial pathology.
Numbing or tingling in the face has been noted as well.
Gary M. Heir, DMD, associate clinical professor in the
Department of Oral Pathology, Biology, and Diagnostic
Services at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of
New Jersey, has published numerous articles on orofacial
pain associated with Lyme disease, and notes that often the
pain moves around, changing quadrants and moving from
side to side.
Some medications used to treat Lyme disease
also cause oral and dental complications: staining, dry
mouth, or a sour taste in the mouth. In the event that
Lyme disease is suspected, prompt referral to a specialist is
imperative."
http://www.lymeinfo.net/access.pdf
A real reason would be an x-ray showing decay or abscess or other problems. TMJ pain is a bit more problematic but before a person has the expensive procedure(s) done for correcting it----- suspect Lyme.
This was written by a Dental Hygienist for Dental Hygienists:
"Dental Hygienists
The best time for dental hygienists to detect symptoms
of Lyme disease is during an oral cancer exam. Many signs
can appear in or around the mouth.
For example, data suggest that temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthritis can be linked to chronic Lyme disease. Patients may complain of
dental pain or of facial pain that simulates toothache in the
absence of any detectable dental or orofacial pathology.
Numbing or tingling in the face has been noted as well.
Gary M. Heir, DMD, associate clinical professor in the
Department of Oral Pathology, Biology, and Diagnostic
Services at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of
New Jersey, has published numerous articles on orofacial
pain associated with Lyme disease, and notes that often the
pain moves around, changing quadrants and moving from
side to side.
Some medications used to treat Lyme disease
also cause oral and dental complications: staining, dry
mouth, or a sour taste in the mouth. In the event that
Lyme disease is suspected, prompt referral to a specialist is
imperative."
http://www.lymeinfo.net/access.pdf
Lyme disease involving the temporomandibular joint.
Harris RJ.
Source
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in New London, Connecticut.
Abstract
Lyme disease is an increasingly common problem that has spread rapidly across the United States. A case of the disease and its correlation to TMJ pain and dysfunction in a 35-year-old female is described. The patient was diagnosed and cured of her symptoms with antibiotics, possibly sparing her from surgery.
PMID: 3422274
***************************
J Prosthet Dent. 1990 Jan;63(1):82-5.
Lyme disease misdiagnosed as a temporomandibular joint disorder.
Lader E.
Abstract
Craniomandibular disorders cause many pleomorphic and seemingly unrelated clinical manifestations that mimic other more serious medical problems and thus can present physicians and dentists with a challenge that invites misdiagnosis and improper treatment planning. Conversely, misdiagnosis and ineffective treatment planning are facilitated when serious medical problems manifest a range of signs and symptoms that are clinically similar to temporomandibular joint muscle dysfunction.
At times, the patient's response to therapy may be the best method of corroborating a diagnosis, as illustrated in this report of a patient with Lyme disease that was misdiagnosed as a temporomandibular joint disorder. Lyme disease has already reached epidemic proportions in several parts of the United States and its geographic distribution is spreading.
Because Lyme disease is a life-threatening illness whose clinical manifestations can mimic temporomandibular joint/myofascial pain-dysfunction, it is the responsibility of every dentist who treats craniomandibular disorders to become familiar with the clinical presentations of Lyme disease and more proficient in its differential diagnosis.
PMID: 2295991 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
That was 'back in the day' when Lyme, although misunderstood, was spoken of as a real disease and not 'something in our mind' or 'post-Lyme syndrome'!
I'll have to see what those agencies have to say about TMJ and Lyme in more recent years.