A TMJ disorder is an issue with the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) that are responsible for the movement of your jaw. Since November is TMJ Awareness month, it’s the perfect time to learn more about the symptoms that could point to this condition – as well as why you should seek treatment as soon as possible! Below is a brief overview of common warning signs of TMJ disorder, the risks of leaving the problem alone, and the solutions your dentist can offer to help you find relief.
Common Warning Signs of TMJ Disorder
Since the underlying cause of a TMJ disorder can vary from patient to patient, not everyone will experience the exact same symptoms. Nevertheless, some common warning signs you can look out for include:
- Jaw Pain: You might experience pain in one or both jaw joints. The discomfort may only be occasional at first, but eventually, it can become chronic.
- Headaches: A TMJ disorder can cause tension in your jaw muscles that results in frequent headaches.
- Unusual Sounds: You might hear a clicking or popping sound when moving your jaw.
- Dental Damage: TMJ disorders are often linked to bruxism, which is a condition that involves unconscious grinding and clenching of the teeth. Unaddressed bruxism can easily lead to worn-down or fractured enamel.
- Tinnitus: Since the jaw and ears are interconnected, TMJ disorder is sometimes accompanied by a ringing sound.
Why Do You Need to Have a TMJ Disorder Treated Quickly?
The initial symptoms of a TMJ disorder are often very mild, causing many patients to believe that they can simply ignore the problem. However, the condition can grow much worse over time. Not only can the pain become more severe, but your jaw may occasionally become locked, making it hard to open or close your mouth. As such, you should reach out to your dentist right away if you think you have a TMJ disorder; the sooner you have the issue diagnosed and treated, the sooner you can alleviate your symptoms.
What Treatments are Available for TMJ Disorder?
After your dentist has examined your jaw and narrowed down what is causing your TMJ disorder, they may suggest one of the following treatments:
- Occlusal Adjustment: A misaligned bite can prevent your jaw joints from relaxing. By reshaping certain teeth via an occlusal adjustment, your dentist can restore balance to your bite and give the TMJs a chance to rest.
- Occlusal Splint: An occlusal splint is a type of oral appliance that you wear to slightly readjust the position of your jaw, relieving some of the pressure on your TMJs.
- BOTOX® Injections: A BOTOX® injection can stop overactive jaw muscles from making the powerful, unconscious movements that contribute to TMJ pain.
Have you noticed any pain in your jaw or other possible signs of TMJ disorder? If so, you should act quickly to get the problem under control. Scheduling a consultation with your dentist can help you move one step closer to enjoying pain-free days again.
About the Practice
At Dental Center of Aspen Hill, our dentists strive to help our patients stay as relaxed as possible while we provide them with the high-quality care that their smiles deserve. We’re proud to offer a wide range of services that include a variety of potential solutions for TMJ disorder, including occlusal splints, occlusal adjustments, and BOTOX® injections. If you are suffering from chronic jaw pain and are in need of TMJ treatment, you can schedule a consultation at Dental Center of Aspen Hill by visiting our website or calling (301) 871-8000.