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If you have trouble opening and closing your mouth to eat, or you feel a twinge of pain each time you yawn, it may be that you are suffering from TMJ. Also known as temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD), the inflammation or damage caused to these joints on either side of your head can make it hard to complete daily tasks like eating, speaking, and even smiling. If you’re unsure about the symptoms of TMJ or wonder if it’s something you should have treated, keep reading to find out why you’re better off seeking professional help sooner rather than later.
What Can Cause TMJ?
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction (TMD) can occur for many reasons. However, some of the most common tend to be stress, a misaligned bite, facial trauma, or teeth grinding.
According to The TMJ Association, an estimated 36 million Americans struggle with TMJ and about 90% of individuals in need of treatment are younger women.
What Are the Symptoms of TMJ?
When it comes to knowing what you should look for when dealing with TMJ, you can expect to experience one or more of the following issues:
- Stiff muscles throughout the jaw and face
- Stiff neck
- Lockjaw
- Clicking or popping when opening your mouth
- Difficult eating or biting down on food
- Frequent headaches
- Earaches
- Teeth grinding/clenching
What Can Happen if You Neglect TMJ Treatment?
While you do not need to worry about TMJ being a life-threatening form of treatment, it can become debilitating the longer you live.
Refusing to seek proper or timely care for your sore and aching jaw joints can result in damage to your teeth and continual pain and pressure throughout your jaw. Not to mention, you could face joint damage and persistent inflammation.
You may notice that you become fatigued when trying to eat, which, over time, can negatively affect your nutritional needs. Also, untreated TMJ can result in a serious sleep disorder because of the constant neck pain, headaches, and obstructions caused by your misaligned jaw.
How Can a Dentist Help Treat Your TMJ?
The good news is that there are things you can do to improve your symptoms. The most important is to see a qualified dentist for help.
After a thorough examination of your facial structure, they will determine the best course of action to treat your inflamed jaw joints. This might include jaw exercises that allow you to stretch and increase its mobility. It might also require that you wear a customized occlusal splint to minimize jaw pain throughout the day and/or while you sleep.
These devices help to keep teeth from grinding, and they help to relax your jaw so that you wake up well-rested.
Living with TMJ pain does not have to be a normal way of life. Instead, there are ways to treat your symptoms and ultimately enjoy a better quality of life.
About the Author
As a board-certified nurse practitioner, general dentist, and dental sleep medicine practitioner, Dr. Shelley Shults aims to help patients avoid serious jaw pain. With proven techniques and treatments, she and her team at Powell Dental Sleep Solutions can reduce discomfort, realign bites, and ensure proper oral and overall health for the future. If you are dealing with chronic TMJ pain, contact us at (614) 396-9310.