Did you know that November is TMJ Awareness Month? Sources estimate that approximately 35 million Americans live with temporomandibular joint disorders. However, it’s also believed that only about 50% to 60% of those suffering from this condition will seek treatment.
You might think of your sore jaw as more of a frustration than a real health concern, but the truth is, avoiding treatment can potentially detract from your oral and overall well-being. Continue reading to learn more about TMD and how your dentist can help address it!
What is a TMJ Disorder?
Your jaw is anchored to your skull via two sliding-disc joints that are located on each side of your face just in front of your ear. Under normal circumstances, they allow your mouth to move freely; you can shift your jaw forward and back, from left to right, and open and close it without issue.
However, if these joints are overworked, such as if you have a bite misalignment or subconsciously grind your teeth, they can become irritated and inflamed. When this occurs, it’s referred to as a TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder). Unfortunately, this can contribute to chronic aches in your jaw, head, ear, face, or neck. You might also struggle to bite and chew food or develop changes in your speech patterns.
How Do I Know if I Have TMD?
A sore jaw is a clear sign that you might have developed a TMD, but it’s not the only potential indicator. If your joints have become swollen or have been sustaining too much pressure, you might also notice symptoms like:
- Clicking or popping sounds when you open or close your mouth.
- Discomfort or difficulty chewing because your teeth don’t touch together correctly when you bite down.
- Facial pain in or around the ear or eye.
- Tinnitus, or a ‘ringing in the ears’.
- Balance problems, such as dizziness or vertigo.
- Developing sleep apnea due to airway blockages from a jaw misalignment.
How Does My Dentist Treat TMD?
Thankfully, many dentists offer services to improve your condition and reduce TMD-related concerns. Potential treatments might include:
- Occlusal splint. This is a custom-fitted oral appliance that you’ll be instructed to wear at night that helps shift your lower jaw into its proper position. This allows the muscles and ligaments surrounding your TMJ to rest and recover, which can help reduce throbbing and other symptoms.
- Occlusal adjustment/equilibration. Your dentist can also make minor adjustments to the biting surfaces of your teeth to ensure that they touch together as intended when you close your mouth. This also helps the muscles of your face and jaw relax to provide some much-needed relief.
- BOTOX® Injections. This medication, derived from a protein toxin made by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum, can be injected around your jaw in small doses to relax the muscles surrounding your TMJ. It works by blocking signals that tell your muscles to contract, which keeps them from becoming overwhelmed.
If you’re unsure whether you’ve developed TMD, you can find out by scheduling an appointment with your dentist!
About the Practice
Patients at Rauchberg Dental Group benefit from a team of dentists eager to help families in Parsippany build and maintain beautiful, healthy teeth and gums. With general dentists, a periodontist, and an orthodontist in the office, there’s no concern too simple or complex for them to tackle. They collaborate to offer a comprehensive menu of services, including TMJ treatments, under one roof. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (973) 718-9887.