Happy TMJ Awareness Month, everyone!
With temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues squarely on the radar, November is an ideal time to better your understanding of TMJ disorders, their symptoms, their causes, and treatments for lasting relief.
What Are TMJ Disorder and Bruxism?
TMJ disorder is a dysfunction of the joints that connect a person’s lower jaw to their skull and facilitate jaw movement. TMJ issues arise when teeth, facial muscles, and the temporomandibular joint are misaligned. A common cause of this misalignment is “bruxism,” or the chronic grinding or clenching of the teeth, often during sleep. Though bruxism often causes TMJ problems, the cause-effect relationship between the two can also work in reverse, with TMJ discomfort leading to excessive teeth grinding or clenching.
However, bruxism is not the sole cause of TMJ disorder. Additional contributing factors include:
- Arthritis-related TMJ inflammation
- Traumatic injury to the jaw, head, or neck
- Misalignment between the upper and lower teeth
- Stress
- Certain disorders (Ehlers-Danlos or Marfan syndromes) that damage the TMJ’s connective tissue
Common Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
Improper TMJ function manifests in a variety of physical symptoms. The most prominent of these include:
- Soreness and pain in jaw muscles and joints
- Clicking or popping in the jaw
- Flat or worn chewing surfaces that expose a tooth’s soft, yellow sub-enamel layer
- Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures or brushing
- Breakage of teeth, crowns, or bridges
- Chronic headaches
- Limited movement or locking of the jaw
The Role of Dentistry in TMJ Treatment
Dental care can play a big role in managing and alleviating TMJ symptoms. This is done by evaluating jaw and bite alignment and muscle health. With specialized expertise, dentists can recommend custom mouthguards, orthodontics, or even physical therapy to help alleviate TMJ symptoms. In severe cases, they will work with other healthcare professionals to create a comprehensive custom treatment plan.
This TMJ Awareness Month, prioritize self-care and explore all the treatment options that can give you long-term relief!
Finding a Top-Quality TMJ Dentist in White Bear Lake, MN
If you’re looking for an experienced dentist in White Bear Lake, MN, with expertise in diagnosing and quickly and efficiently addressing TMJ issues to restore patients’ comfort and oral health, contact Dr. Paul Anderson and the excellent White Bear Smiles team to schedule a consultation!