When you think about November, your mind might automatically go to things like football, turkey dinners, and good deals at the shopping mall. But did you know that November is also TMJ Awareness Month? It is the perfect time to learn more about what TMJ means and how you can protect the health of your jaw joints. Continue reading below to discover some important information.
TMJ: What Does It Mean?
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint. Everyone has two TMJs, one located directly in front of each ear. These joints control the movement of your lower jaw (mandible) and play a critical role in eating and speaking.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
Often, when people talk about TMJ, they are using a misnomer. Your TMJs are simply a part of your body, whereas TMJ disorder (TMD) is a condition that afflicts these important joints. It occurs when inflammation or damage irritates the TMJs, leading to pain and other symptoms, which might include:
- Jaw pain
- Difficulty biting and chewing
- Stiffness and pain in the facial muscles
- Neck pain
- Headaches and migraines
- Shoulder aches
- Back pain
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Clicking and popping sensations in the jaw
The Importance of Treatment
The symptoms mentioned above might come and go, but they are likely to recur again and again as long as the primary cause of TMD does not receive proper treatment. In fact, without professional care, TMD may lead to some very unpleasant consequences, including:
- Chronic joint inflammation. This can eventually cause irreversible joint damage in your TMJs.
- Pain that impacts your daily life. It may become difficult or even impossible for you to enjoy your favorite foods. The pain could also distract you while you are performing routine tasks at home or at work.
- Poor sleep. TMD is often correlated with disordered breathing during sleep, including sleep apnea. This can cause you to be exhausted day after day and put you at an increased risk of numerous health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and more.
- Dental damage. TMD may cause or worsen bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching), which over time can seriously wear down your tooth enamel.
Finding Long-Lasting Relief
TMD can adversely affect your overall health and daily life, but there is good news — this condition is highly treatable! In fact, most treatments options are either non-invasive or minimally invasive. For example, you might need something as simple as a special splint to wear at night. It can help your facial muscles relax and train your jaw to rest in the proper position. Your dentist can recommend a treatment based on your unique circumstances.
Are your jaw joints healthy? This November, take a bit of time to appreciate this hard-working part of your body.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Stephen Dean is an experienced dentist with extensive training and experience in the diagnosis and treatment of TMJ disorder. He offers multiple ways to address this condition, including occlusal splints, bite adjustments, and the advanced TruDenta® system. If you have been struggling with jaw pain, he and our team are ready to help you find relief. Get in touch with our Covington, GA, office at 770-786-3915.