The term “TMJ” often comes up in casual conversations about health. However, many people might not know what it means or how it can affect their oral and overall wellness. Since November is TMJ Awareness Month, now is the perfect time to learn more about your TMJs, TMJ disorder (TMD), and what you can do to protect the health of your precious jaw joints.
TMJ: What Does It Mean?
TMJ is an acronym that stands for temporomandibular joint. Everyone has two TMJs, which are located in front of each ear. They control movements of your mandible (lower jaw) and play a critical role in biting, eating, speaking, and more.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
In some cases, when people talk about TMJ, they are not just referring to jaw joints. Rather, they might be referring to TMJ disorder (TMD). This issue occurs when the TMJs suffer damage or stress that adversely affects how they are able to function.
TMD can cause many symptoms, including:
- Jaw pain
- Difficulty chewing
- Pain and stiffness in the facial muscles
- Headaches and migraines
- Neckaches
- Shoulder aches
- Back pain
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Popping and clicking sensations in the jaw
The Importance of Treatment
The symptoms listed above might come and go, but they are likely to continue recurring as long as the root cause of TMD remains unaddressed. In fact, untreated TMD has the potential to lead to some very serious consequences, such as:
- Chronic inflammation in the jaw joints. This may cause irreversible joint damage.
- Pain that affects your daily life. It may be challenging or even impossible for you to eat your favorite foods, and pain may distract you from important tasks at work and home.
- Low-quality sleep. TMD is sometimes associated with disordered breathing during sleep. This can lead to daytime exhaustion and the many health risks that can come from poor sleep, including heart attack, stroke, and accidents.
- Damage to your teeth. TMD is often accompanied by chronic bruxism (teeth grinding). This can cause premature wear and tear on your teeth.
Finding Long-Lasting Relief
Fortunately, there are a range of treatment options for TMD. After an evaluation, a skilled practitioner can recommend your next steps. You might need something simple, such as a special orthotic splint to wear at night or a minor adjustment to your bite. In rare cases, surgical intervention is necessary to address the underlying cause of TMD.
How healthy are your jaw joints? November is the perfect time to think about that question and seek professional care if necessary!
Meet the Practice
At Piney Point Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, our team offers both non-surgical and surgical treatments for TMJ disorder. If you have been experiencing symptoms related to your jaw joints, we are ready to assess 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 our Houston office at 713-783-5560.