Have you noticed that your jaw frequently feels sore or swollen without any obvious cause, or do you wake up in the morning more tired than when you drifted off the evening prior? If so, you might have developed a TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder.
This condition occurs when the joints that anchor your jawbone to your skull, your TMJ, become misaligned or overworked. This can cause aches and inflammation that will likely worsen the longer you wait to contact your dentist. With that in mind, continue reading to learn about 3 potential consequences of untreated TMJ disorders!
Issue #1: Stiff or Locked Jaw
Your TMJ are essential for providing your mouth with a full range of motion. When they’re healthy, they let you open and close your mouth and shift your jaw forward and backward or side to side.
But if they are inflamed, they might become so tight or strained that the shock-absorbing disc slips out of its usual position, hindering your ability to open or close your mouth. Not only can this cause aches, but it can also prevent you from biting, chewing, or speaking effectively. Thankfully, many dentists offer treatment options, such as occlusal splints or adjustments, to ease the tension on your jaw joints and allow them to rest and recover.
Issue #2: Frequent or Chronic Headaches
TMJ discomfort doesn’t always affect ‘just’ your jaw. For example, if you developed a disorder due to bruxism, or frequent teeth-grinding, the added strain of constantly clenching your teeth together can radiate outward and affect your ear, neck, and head.
This can result in frequent or chronic headaches or migraines, which are known to prevent people from engaging in their usual daily activities or attending work or school. Your dentist can help assess the root cause of your pain and recommend services that can provide some much-needed relief.
Issue #3: Sleep Disorders
Did you know that jaw misalignments can also contribute to other health concerns, such as sleep apnea? An improperly positioned jaw can restrict your airways when you drift off, disrupting your breathing. Repeated interruptions in your sleep cycles overnight can prevent your body from true rest and rejuvenation, which can affect everything from your mood to your oral and overall health.
Fortunately, many cases of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can be treated with oral appliances that help reposition your jaw to help keep the airways open.
If you’re still not sure whether your discomfort is caused by a TMJ issue, you can contact your dentist for an appointment to learn more!
About the Practice
Patients at Painted Skies Dental Center benefit from a husband-and-wife dental duo who are passionate about helping children and adults build and maintain beautiful, healthy smiles. Drs. Natalie and Ramon Ortiz met in dental school, and today, they collaborate to offer a comprehensive menu of top-quality treatment options, including TMJ relief, to meet your family’s unique needs under one roof. They deliver customized services using advanced technology that provide beautiful, reliable, and long-lasting results. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (575) 521-8720.