Many diseases plague the United States. Some of the more common ones include heart disease, cancer, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, and diabetes. These diseases cause a great deal of suffering and death each year. In addition to the physical pain and suffering they cause, these diseases also take an emotional toll on patients and their families.
Many people in the United States live in fear of contracting one of these diseases. However, some of the most common diseases do not affect the entire body, the same way heart disease, and cancer too. Some are concentrated in a particular region of the body, such as the jaw.
The Jaw
The jaw plays a significant role in the human body. It is responsible for biting and chewing food and holding the teeth in place. The jawbone is one of the hardest bones in the body.
The human jaw comprises two parts, the upper jaw, and the lower jaw. The upper jaw houses the maxilla, which is the bone that forms the roof of the mouth. The lower jaw contains the mandible, the bone that forms the chin.
Many muscles and ligaments connect the jaw to the rest of the head and neck. These muscles allow the jaw to move up and down, side to side, and back and forth. However, despite being a very resilient part of the body, the jaw is still vulnerable to diseases. One of them is physical trauma.
Physical Trauma
Physical trauma can come in the form of a blow to the jaw, or it can result from a fall or an accident. When the jaw is fractured, it can cause immense pain and suffering.
In some cases, the fracture may even be visible. If the fracture is severe enough, it may require surgery to correct. One of the best surgeries to get is maxillofacial surgery. This kind of surgery can correct the physical trauma you might have gained on your jaw.
Cancer
Cancer is a disease that can affect any part of the body, including the jaw. The most common type of cancer that affects the jaw is squamous cell carcinoma. This type of cancer begins in the cells that line the inside of the mouth. It can also affect the lips, tongue, and gums.
Squamous cell carcinoma is most commonly found in people who use tobacco products. It is also more common in people exposed to a lot of sunlight. People with fair skin are also at a higher risk of developing this type of cancer.
If you notice any changes in your mouth, such as a sore that doesn’t heal, you should see a doctor. Early detection is key to successful treatment.
Dental Disease
Dental disease is one of the most common diseases of the jaw. It is caused by a build-up of plaque on the teeth. Plaque is a comes from bacteria that forms on the teeth. If it is not removed, it can harden and turn into tartar. Tartar is very difficult to remove and can cause gum disease.
Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums that can lead to tooth loss. It is caused by a build-up of plaque below the gum line. If you have gum disease, you may notice that your gums are red and swollen. You may also experience bleeding when you brush your teeth.
If you think you might have gum disease, you should see a dentist right away. They will be able to clean your teeth and remove the plaque. If the disease is in its early stages, it can be treated with antibiotics.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disease that causes the bones to become weak and brittle. It is most common in women after menopause. However, men can also develop osteoporosis.
The risk of developing osteoporosis increases as you age. Other risk factors include a family history of the disease, smoking, and a lack of exercise.
If you have osteoporosis, you may not have any symptoms. However, if the disease progresses, you may notice that your bones are breaking more easily. You may also lose height or have back pain.
There is no cure for osteoporosis. However, there are treatments that can help to prevent the disease from progressing. These include medications, diet, and exercise.
TMJ Disorder
TMJ disorder affects the temporomandibular joint. This is the joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull.
TMJ disorder can cause a lot of pain and discomfort. It can make it difficult to chew, and you may hear a clicking sound when you move your jaw. You may also experience headaches, neck pain, and dizziness.
There is no one cause of TMJ disorder. However, it is often the result of stress or injury. If you think you have TMJ disorder, you should see a doctor. They will be able to diagnose the condition and recommend treatment.
These are the five most common diseases that can affect the jaw. If you think you may have any of these conditions, you should see a doctor right away. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to successful treatment.
