Do you often hear a popping or clicking sound while you chew? Do you suffer from persistent ear pain or headaches? Maybe you struggle with tenderness in your jaw. These are all symptoms of TMJ disorder, which occurs when the joint connecting your jaw to your skull gets inflamed, irritated, or otherwise damaged. Fortunately, your dentist can help you find a solution, restoring your oral health and overall quality of life. Keep reading to learn the common causes of TMJ disorder, the dangers of leaving it unchecked, and why you should visit your dentist for TMJ therapy.
The Most Common Causes of TMJ Disorder
Although the exact number of cases is unknown, it’s believed that roughly 10 million Americans struggle with TMJ dysfunction. Most often, it’s the result of:
- Injury/dislocation
- Teeth clenching
- Arthritis
- Bite problems/teeth alignment
Dangers of Not Treating TMJ Disorder
If you’ve been struggling with one or more of the aforementioned symptoms, it’s of the utmost importance you seek treatment sooner rather than later. There are a few reasons for this:
- TMJ disorder increases your risk of dental problems like teeth grinding.
- The discomfort from chewing can cause you to favor one side of your mouth, resulting in unsymmetrical muscle growth.
- Pain from the subsequent symptoms, like headaches, can negatively impact your quality of life, causing you to rely on over-the-counter pain relievers.
- Chronic ear pain stemming from TMJ dysfunction can result in tinnitus and permanently compromised hearing.
- The breakdown of the cartilage in your jaw increases your risk of dislocating it.
Why You Should Visit Your Dentist for TMJ Therapy
When something is wrong with your teeth, you naturally think to call your dentist. When something is wrong with your jaw, however, you might not make the immediate connection. But it’s important to remember that dentists have an in-depth understanding of not just your oral cavity, but also your facial structure and the supporting muscles. Plus, they can restore any teeth that have been damaged in the process!
So, if you think you may have TMJ disorder, don’t wait to schedule an appointment with your dentist. They are ready to help with more than your smile!
About the Practice
At South Ridge Dental, we are always shooting for spectacular customer service. Dr. Ryan Shaffer and Dr. Steven Shaffer combine for nearly four decades of experience helping patients. If you are interested in TMJ therapy, they can provide a customized occlusal splint to keep your jaw relaxed and provide much-needed pain relief as you sleep. You can schedule a consultation on their website or call (402) 423-1616.