You might have frequently heard people talk about TMJ in casual conversations about their health. However, you might not know exactly what that means. Since November is TMJ Awareness Month, now is the perfect time to brush up on your knowledge! This blog post explains what TMJ means, how it may affect your overall health, and how you can get adequate treatment for problems with your precious jaw joints.
TMJ: What Does It Mean?
TMJ is an acronym for temporomandibular joint. You have two TMJs, one located in front of each ear. They control the movements of your lower jaw (also known as your mandible). They are critical for proper biting, speaking, and chewing.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
In some cases, when people mention TMJ, they are actually using a misnomer. What they are really talking about is TMJ disorder (TMD), which may also be called TMJ dysfunction. This issue occurs when the TMJs are damaged or stressed.
TMD is associated with numerous symptoms, including:
- Jaw pain
- Difficulty chewing
- Stiffness and pain in the facial muscles
- Headaches and migraines
- Neckaches
- Shoulder aches
- Back pain
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Clicking and popping sensations in the jaw
The Importance of Treatment
The abovementioned symptoms may come and go, but they are likely to keep recurring if the underlying cause of TMD remains unaddressed. Without proper treatment, you may suffer several unpleasant consequences:
- Chronic inflammation in your TMJs. This can eventually cause irreversible joint damage.
- Pain that negatively affects your daily life. It may become challenging or even impossible for you to enjoy your favorite foods. The pain might distract you while you are performing important tasks at home or at work.
- Poor sleep. TMD is often correlated with disordered breathing during sleep. This can cause frequent exhaustion and put you at a higher risk of numerous health problems, including high blood pressure, heart attack, and dementia.
- Dental damage. TMD may exacerbate bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching), which over time can seriously damage your tooth enamel.
Finding Long-Lasting Relief
TMD can spell trouble for your overall health and quality of life, but the good news is that this condition is highly treatable. After a thorough evaluation, your care provider might determine that you need a relatively simple treatment, such as a special mouthguard that will prevent teeth grinding and help your facial muscles relax. In rare cases, surgical intervention is necessary.
How healthy are your TMJs? November is a good time to ponder that question and seek professional care if necessary.
Meet the Practice
At Piney Point Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery of Katy/Cypress, our team offers both non-surgical and surgical treatments for TMD. If you have been experiencing symptoms related to your jaw joints, we are ready to evaluate the situation and get you on the path to long-lasting relief. To learn more about how we may be able to serve you, get in touch with us at 832-353-1100.