If you hear popping or clicking sounds while you chew, suffer from persistent ear pain or headaches, or have tenderness in your jaw, you may have a TMJ disorder. Luckily, your dentist can help treat your TMJ issues. Read on to learn about a few common causes of TMJ disorder, the dangers of leaving it untreated, and why you should visit your dentist to receive treatment.
Common Causes of TMJ Disorder
The Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint that connects the jaw to the skull. If it gets inflamed, irritated, or otherwise damaged, it can cause discomfort and make it difficult to move your jaw properly. The parts of the bones that interact within the joint are separated by a small disk that’s meant to keep the movement smooth. Though the exact number of people with TMJ is unknown, some estimates suggest that there are over 10 million Americans suffering from this condition. Most often, TMJ issues are the result of:
- The disk corrodes or moves out of alignment
- Bite problems or teeth alignment issues
- Jaw injury or dislocation
- Teeth clenching
- Arthritis
5 Dangers of Not Treating TMJ Disorder
If you are exhibiting one or more of the above symptoms, seek treatment sooner rather than later to avoid a host of issues, including:
- Dental problems – Having TMJ disorder increases your risk of dental problems, like teeth grinding (bruxism).
- Unsymmetrical muscle growth – If you experience discomfort while chewing, this can cause you to favor one side of your mouth, which can result in the muscle growing unevenly.
- Pain medicine reliance – Symptoms of TMJ issues like headaches can cause you to rely on over-the-counter pain medicine for relief.
- Tinnitus – Chronic ear pain that stems from TMJ disorder can result in tinnitus or permanently compromised hearing.
- Increased risk of jaw dislocation – The breakdown of the cartilage in your jaw, also called osteoarthritis, increases your risk of dislocating it.
Why You Should Visit Your Dentist for TMJ Therapy
Dentists can help with more than just teeth. They have an in-depth understanding of your facial structure and the supporting muscles, so they will be able to identify the cause of your TMJ issues and administer treatment. Additionally, they can restore any teeth that were damaged by clenching or grinding them together.
If you think you may have issues with your TMJ, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with your dentist. They will be able to find the root of the issue and relieve any symptoms you’re experiencing so can get back to enjoying a healthy smile.
About the Practice
Are you experiencing pain, tenderness, popping, clicking, or discomfort in your jaw, ears, head, or face? Petty Dental can help. They offer TMJ therapy to treat any symptoms you have and make it easier for you to eat, sleep, and move your jaw properly without damaging your pearly whites. Call Petty Dental at (931) 454-9499 or visit their website for more information on how to identify and treat TMJ issues or to set up an appointment.