TMJ Disorders are both varied and uncomfortable. Some can cause serious pain and health issues over time. Among the symptoms are jaw pain, pain in mouth, teeth, face, or shoulders, headaches, and difficulties opening and closing the mouth.
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, also called TMJ, may not appear to be a big issue, yet without proper treatment it can certainly become one. That’s why it is important for your oral health and the health of your entire body, to address TMJ symptoms as soon as you can.
What Causes of TMJ Pain and Discomfort?
The temporomandibular joint, which connects your jaw to your head can cause many painful issues. When the joint is irritated or compromised, pain can grow from an inconvenience to extreme very quickly. Why does this happen? It occurs because the temporomandibular joint is so centrally located, making it easy for discomfort and pain to spread from the jaw to your mouth and teeth, ears and eyes, neck and head, and even on down to your shoulders.
TMJ can be caused all too easily by regular daily behavior such as eating, yawning, and talking. Nighttime teeth grinding and teeth clenching can also cause TMJ. And in fact, anyone who has experienced TMJ will find themselves suffering just due to daily actions like these.
What Happens If TMJ Is Not Treated?
There can be serious consequences when TMJ pain and discomfort is ignored. As already mentioned, pain can definitely increase over time. And while over-the-counter pain relievers can help, they’re not a cure. If TMJ is caused due to teeth grinding, your sleep will most likely also be disturbed which can lead to still other issues such as insomnia, depression, or brain fog.
As to your overall dental health, TMJ caused by teeth grinding may cause extreme wear on your teeth. It can also create cracked or chipped teeth over time due to strain or wear. And, you may find you will develop additional symptoms such as jaw clicking, indentions in the tongue, sensitive teeth, or toothaches that occur often.
Because the temporomandibular joint is located directly beneath your ears, if you don’t receive proper treatment, TMJ symptoms can also grow to become conditions like tinnitus or inner ear problems like dizziness. Even your vision can be negatively affected by untreated TMJ.
TMJ can also cause jaw problems, which worsen over time. Jaw problems include the jaw becoming stuck, which might make an emergency room visit necessary. And, if left untreated, the cartilage in the jaw can also become injured, which can eventually lead to severe conditions like jaw dislocation.
TMJ issues can also cause common issues related to chewing and biting, causing those suffering from symptoms to eat only soft foods, or even to experience swelling in the jaw or face.
But there is good news, when it comes to TMJ: symptoms are usually alleviated with effective but simple treatment.
TMJ Treatment
The most common way to treat TMJ and relieve the symptoms you may be experiencing is to use a mouthguard. Wearing a TMJ mouthguard provides a cushion for your jaw and your teeth. It will relieve pressure and TMJ symptoms.
Making a custom mouth guard is not hard to do, and your dental team will create one just for you. A well-fitted, custom guard, is made from an impression of your mouth and molded using a special, comfortable material that is also durable.
Your dentist can also recommend excellent TMJ exercises and relaxation techniques which can also help alleviate symptoms.
Ready to Learn More About TMJ Disorders?
If you’re ready to learn more about TMJ disorders, and the most common symptoms of them, we’re ready to help relieve the discomfort and pain of TMJ. Just give us a call today!