Short Description
A disturbance in the normal function of oral structures, often referring to issues in the jaw or bite.
Long Description
In dentistry, dysfunction refers to impaired or abnormal function of parts of the oral or maxillofacial system, especially involving the jaw joints, muscles, or bite mechanics. One common example is temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD).
Symptoms of dysfunction may include jaw pain, difficulty opening the mouth, clicking sounds, headaches, or tooth wear. It can stem from misalignment, stress-related habits like clenching, injury, or structural irregularities.
Treatment may involve physical therapy, bite guards, orthodontics, or in rare cases, surgical intervention. Managing dysfunction early can improve comfort and prevent further oral or facial complications.