About 36 million Americans are currently suffering from painful TMJ disorders. To draw attention to this all-too-common issue, November is recognized as TMJ Awareness Month. This is the perfect time to improve your understanding of what TMJ disorder looks like and what you can do about it. In the spirit of the month, your dentist is here with a quick look at the symptoms of TMJ disorder as well as possible treatment options.
What are the Symptoms of TMJ Disorder?
It’s important to realize that the warning signs of TMJ disorder won’t be exactly the same for every patient. The severity and cause of the condition will play a significant role in determining what kind of symptoms you experience. With that said, here are some of the possible effects of TMJ disorder that you can keep an eye out for:
- You may experience chronic pain in your jaw.
- You might suffer from recurring headaches.
- Your jaw may periodically become locked in a closed or open position.
- You may start noticing a ringing in your ears.
- You might hear a clicking or popping sound from your jaw joints.
Upon noticing any of these symptoms, you should get in touch with your dentist so that they can help determine whether you’re truly suffering from a TMJ disorder. The sooner you receive a proper diagnosis, the sooner you can get the treatment that you need.
How Can TMJ Disorder Be Treated?
The right treatment for TMJ disorder can vary depending on what’s causing the problem. For example, sometimes the condition is the result of misaligned teeth that are throwing off the balance of the bite and putting too much pressure on the jaw joints. This issue can be corrected via an occlusal adjustment, which involves making slight changes to your teeth so that they fit together the way they should. Once your bite has been corrected, it typically won’t be long before you see an improvement in your TMJ symptoms.
Another possible solution is to wear an occlusal splint. This is a simple type of oral appliance that can slightly change the position of your lower jaw, thus relieving pressure on your jaw joints. On top of that, the splint can provide some protection against unconscious grinding of the teeth, which is often a contributing factor to TMJ disorder.
It’s worth noting that it is possible to treat TMJ disorder through surgical means. However, since any type of surgery comes with some level of risk, it is highly recommended that you try more conservative solutions first.
There’s no need to force yourself to get used to your TMJ disorder; the right kind of treatment can help you put a stop to your pain and improve your overall quality of life. Schedule an appointment with your dentist today if you have reason to think that you’re suffering from TMJ-related problems.
About the Author
Dr. Eric L. Townsend went to the Medical College of Virginia School of Dentistry for his dental degree. He currently holds membership with the Northeast District Dental Association, the Beaches Study Club, and many other dental organizations. At Ponte Vedra Complete Dentistry, he is proud to offer occlusal splints and occlusal adjustments to help patients find relief from their TMJ pain. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Townsend in Ponte Vedra Beach, visit his website or call (904) 285-7711.