Did you know that towards the back of your back, connecting your upper and lower mandibula, is a hinge-like joint known as the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)? It essentially allows you to open and close your mouth smoothly, so it’s pretty important! However, excess pressure from teeth grinding or a misaligned bite can lead to a TMJ disorder – and long-term health consequences.
Keep reading, and you’ll learn why treating TMJ disorders sooner than later is the best strategy for your health and comfort!
Increasing Discomfort
TMJ related pain doesn’t usually up and vanish like the aches you might get when you’re simply sore. Instead, whatever misalignment or physical stress is being exerted on this joint will likely spread to other facial muscles and nearby areas. Since the nerves in this part of your body are so closely connected, jaw pain today could mean head, neck, or shoulder tension further down the road.
Lasting Damage
As the tension around your TMJ increases, so does the likelihood of the joint and neighboring bones becoming severely damaged. When you break a bone in your arm, after all, it needs to be treated to avoid getting rubbed the wrong way. The principle is similar for your jaw and TMJ!
If you grind or clench your teeth, or have bite misalignment due to your jaw’s position or crooked pearly whites, then there’s also your enamel to worry about. These issues can exert uneven pressure on your teeth just as easily as your TMJ, and may cause premature wear.
Sleep Disorders
Believe it or not, an untreated TMJ disorder can trigger certain sleep disorders, like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)! This typically occurs when the underlying cause of your disorder is a type of bite misalignment. A jaw that’s not positioned quite right can obstruct your airway, making it more difficult to breathe and circulate oxygen as you rest. Your brain will start to panic, and though you may not even realize it, jolts you out of deep sleep.
How Your Dentist Can Help
It’s safe to say that a TMJ disorder that is causing you discomfort and harm now will continue to do so until it’s taken care of. Fortunately, your dentist can provide a minimally invasive treatment known as equilibration – or sometimes “occlusal adjustment.” They’ll strategically alter your teeth or existing dental work to give you a more even bite, which can often relieve TMJ symptoms.
For cases where teeth grinding and clenching is the main problem, your dentist might instead recommend wearing a customized nightguard to soften the blow to your joints. Schedule a consultation with them, and they’ll let you know which treatment will likely work best for you and your TMJ!
About the Practice
Dr. Prashantkumar Gajera and Dr. Julyat Gajera both pursue the highest degree of excellence for their patients. They are Invisalign certified, and keep up with continuing education efforts to keep their skills sharp and their methods up-to-date. If you have jaw pain and are looking for TMJ relief, Dr. Prashantkumar and Dr. Julyat will gladly help you find your best-fit treatment plan! To contact their office, call 817-518-6915.