November is TMJ Awareness Month – What to Look For!
The month of November is reserved for a national effort to help those who suffer with TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder) understand this condition and how to find relief. The temporomandibular joint is the joint that connects your jaw to your skull. It’s like a sliding hinge that makes the movement of your jaw glide smoothly. TMJ problems usually occur if the cartilage in your jaw is inflamed or eroded. It can also become misaligned due to an injury or overuse. Dr. Angela S. Evanson, DDS can teach you ways to manage this painful condition during TMJ Awareness Month & beyond.
TMJ Disorder Defined
Professionals don’t know for sure what causes the problem with the TMJ joint, but 10 million Americans suffer from TMJ disorders. Chronic grinding of teeth or clenching your jaw due to stress, tooth or jaw alignment, mouth trauma due to an injury or arthritis may be the root cause of TMJ Disorder. Some have no obvious reason for TMJ Disorder.
Do a self-check at home by opening your jaw, putting your finger over the joint in front of your ear. Open your mouth until you feel the joint move. If it’s tender or the joint clicks, you may have TMJ disorder.
If your jaw pops while you are chewing gum or eating, you may have a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. Each TMJ has a disc between the ball and socket. The disc cushions the load while enabling the jaw to open and rotate or glide. This joint is a complex system of tissues, ligaments, muscles, and bones. If it becomes dislocated or inflamed, it may result in a painful TMJ disorder.
TMJ Is a Serious Problem
TMJ is not just a sore jaw; it is a serious problem that should be attended to by Dr. Evanson. The dysfunction of the TMJ joint creates several painful issues that should not be ignored. Symptoms include some of the following:
- Jaw tenderness and pain
- Clicking or popping sound when you chew
- Difficulty moving your jaw
- Frequent headaches
- Ear pain
- Tinnitus
- Painful chewing
If you think you have TMJ disorder, call our office and make an appointment to see Dr. Angela S. Evanson, DDS.
What Happens if I Don’t Seek Treatment for my TMJ?
The symptoms of TMJ may worsen if you don’t seek treatment. Over a period of time, neglect can cause other issues such as:
- Wearing down your teeth
- Joint damage
- Inflammation
- Pain in your head neck and face due to an increase in muscle contraction
- Airway sleep disorders
- Ear ringing
TMJ affects many aspects of your life from what you eat, the amount of oxygen you breathe at night and your restful sleep. Airway sleep disorders such as sleep apnea and TMJ are closely linked. The lack of oxygen while you sleep is often combined with brain fog and it can lead to chronic headaches and neck pain.
Dr. Evanson Can Help With TMJ
Part of your bi-annual dental check up includes checking the joints and muscles. Be sure to tell Dr. Evanson if you are having symptoms of TMJ. She may recommend some of the following:
- Bite guard to minimize clenching at night
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Fixing an uneven bite by adjusting or reshaping some teeth
- Eating softer foods and eliminating chewing gum
- Heat packs
- Relaxation techniques to control jaw tension
Make an Appointment with Dr. Evanson
If you suffer from jaw pain or frequent headaches, make an appointment with Dr. Evanson by calling (720) 409-0008 or contact us online.
The symptoms of TMJ will not go away on their own. You can trust that whatever treatment Dr. Evanson recommends will be the most appropriate therapy to treat your TMJ disorder.
Leave a reply →
