You might have noticed a tiny click in your jaw when you yawn, or some minor facial soreness at the end of a long day. These little things are easy to overlook, but they can be warning signs of a deeper issue: temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. The temporomandibular joints are the hinges that connect your jaw to your skull. They enable us to chew, speak, and yawn. When these joints are under stress, they can induce a spectrum of painful and uncomfortable symptoms. Even though you might wish for these problems to just go away on their own, not treating them will unleash a series of worse health problems.
The TMJ is a complex system of muscles, nerves, ligaments, and blood vessels. When it’s out of alignment, the tension doesn’t stay in your jaw. It can radiate, affecting your head, neck, and even your posture. For most people, the first sign is a headache that doesn’t go away, and this is most commonly mistaken for a tension headache or migraine. You may also have ringing in your ears, fullness, or dizziness. These are not separate symptoms; they all have to do with the health of your jaw joints and muscles in the region. The connection is direct because of the way the muscles and nerves in your head and neck are interconnected.
The Domino Effect of Untreated TMJ
Ignoring your TMJ symptoms can have a domino effect. The initial clicking and tenderness can become a jammed jaw, where it is difficult or even impossible to open or shut your mouth. This is a result of the articular disc within the joint becoming dislodged. The constant friction and inflammation over a period of time can cause permanent damage to the joint itself. This may appear as degenerative arthritis, an illness that can cause eventual chronic pain and severely disable your ability to eat and speak.
Most people with untreated TMJ also have chronic teeth grinding, which is a condition referred to as bruxism. Your body naturally adapts to the misaligned jaw by attempting to realign it, usually by clenching or grinding your teeth, usually at night. The result is worn teeth, chipped or fractured teeth. In extreme cases, the grinding can result in tooth loss. If you’re experiencing these issues, it is important to treat teeth grinding to prevent further dental complications. Finding the right oral appliance in Phoenix is crucial to stopping this cycle of damage.
Beyond Jaw Pain: Widespread Impact
The impact of untreated TMJ extends far beyond your mouth. The constant stress on your jaw muscles can lead to chronic neck and shoulder pain. The pain-relieving position that you adopt to overcome the pain can also lead to an unaligned spine. You might find it harder to sleep at night due to the pain and the involuntary teeth grinding. Chronic pain and sleep deprivation can affect your mood, focus, and way of living.
The best part is that there are effective, non-surgical TMJ treatments that can be undertaken. These therapies begin with minor, lifestyle-related adjustments, such as relaxation, jaw muscle exercise, and a soft diet for a few weeks to allow the joint to rest. For the majority of cases, Phoenix custom nightguards are an ideal remedy. A custom nightguard is a personalized mouthpiece that hugs your mouth to avoid tooth grinding and clenching, reducing pressure on the temporomandibular joint so it can recover. For more advanced cases, other therapies may be recommended to help stabilize the joint and relieve your pain.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s not something to ignore. Addressing the issue early can prevent it from escalating into a more serious and challenging problem. The first step toward relief is an accurate diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan.
Call Dental Home Family Dentistry today and schedule a consultation for TMJ pain relief.
