Stomatognathic disease is a term used in dentistry and medicine to refer to a range of disorders or conditions that affect the mouth, jaws, and associated structures, including the teeth, gums, temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and muscles involved in chewing and speaking. This term is formed by combining "stomato-" meaning "mouth," "gna-" meaning "jaw," and "-thic" meaning "related to."
This category of diseases encompasses a diverse range of conditions, such as dental caries (tooth decay), periodontal disease (gum disease), malocclusion (misaligned bite), temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), bruxism (teeth grinding), oral cancer, and various oral and facial pain disorders. Stomatognathic diseases can be caused by multiple factors, including poor oral hygiene, genetic predisposition, trauma, infections, or systemic conditions that affect the mouth and jaw area.
Common symptoms associated with stomatognathic diseases include toothache, gum swelling or bleeding, jaw pain, difficulty in opening or closing the mouth, clicking or popping sounds in the jaw joint, difficulty chewing or speaking, and facial or neck pain. Proper diagnosis and treatment of these diseases are essential to prevent further damage, preserve oral health, and alleviate associated symptoms.
Dental and medical professionals, such as dentists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, orthodontists, and general physicians, are involved in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of stomatognathic diseases. Treatment options may range from conservative measures, such as oral hygiene instructions and medication, to more invasive interventions, including dental restorations, oral surgery, orthodontic treatment, or interdisciplinary care involving different healthcare specialists as required.
