TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) Disorder is a serious condition that affects the temporomandibular joint that connects your jaw to your skull causing severe pain and discomfort in the jaw, neck, and head area. TMJ is a serious medical condition that can cause extreme pain and discomfort in the jaw area. It is estimated that over 10 million individuals suffer from this condition. There are several symptoms that might cause varied degrees of pain. TMJ disorders are a broad category with numerous potential causes. As a result, there are a few treatment options available. TMJ issues can be diagnosed by a variety of symptoms, including chronic discomfort around the jaw and limited jaw mobility. Most TMJ issues resolve themselves in a short period of time, generally within a few months. Yet, certain instances may be chronic or repeat. In this blog, we will see how serious TMJ disorder is and more about this disorder.
Symptoms of TMJ disorder:
TMJ dysfunction symptoms vary depending on the degree and source of your disease. Pain in the jaw and surrounding muscles is the most prevalent sign of TMJ problems. Other symptoms often related with these illnesses, according to 2021 research, include:
- Pain in the face or neck
- Restricted jaw movement
- Popping sound from the TMJ site
- Dental problems
- Tinnitus
- Headache
- Ear pain
- Tiredness in the face
- Swelling on one side of the face
- Vertigo
- Migraine
- Shift in the jaw, affecting the way the upper and lower teeth align
- Difficulty chewing
- Difficulty in opening and closing the jaw
Causes of TMJ disorder:
- Arthritis
- Autoimmune diseases
- Dental trauma or injuries
- Infections
- Grinding the teeth during the sleep
- Genetics
- Hormonal imbalance
- Dislocation of the disc
- Stress
- Improper bite
Violinists, for example, have been found to have a greater risk of TMJ issues than the general population, owing to the fact that their job requires them to hold an instrument beneath their jaw. This can result in TMJ issues due to strain. Because women have TMJ issues at a higher incidence than males, researchers are actively investigating hormonal origins of TMJ. While the reason is unknown, experts think that studying the relationship between the female hormone estrogen and TMJ issues would be beneficial.
And, in response to the query, "How critical is TMJ disorder?" TMJ is not a life-threatening illness, but it can have serious consequences for your oral, dental, and general health. As mentioned above the temporomandibular joint connects the lower jaw to the temporal bones of the skull, and the muscles encircling this joint are responsible for opening and closing the jaw as well as controlling its posture from side to side. TMJ is a tough issue to research as the complex motions for which the temporomandibular joint is involved. These joints in the jaw allow it to function and are sustained by a network of ligaments and muscles. TMD can cause discomfort, ringing in the ears, and chewing issues when it is out of equilibrium. TMD side symptoms might intensify if left untreated. Effective therapy is the greatest method to avoid the unpleasant and negative consequences of TMD.
What happens if TMJ is left untreated?
TMJ, commonly known as TMD, is not a contemporary concern, as are many other medical issues that individuals face nowadays. TMJ was originally mentioned in medicine in 1887 in an essay about two ladies who suffered locked jaw and subsequent agony. But, many individuals discount their discomfort because it isn't severe enough to merit a doctor visit, they don't want to spend their hard-earned money on it, they are unwilling to take the time to attend, or they are concerned about what your doctor will say. If you have TMJ symptoms but ignore diagnosis and treatment, you will only make your situation worse.
Chronic Jaw Problems:
Most of us understand that pain is our bodies' method of alerting us that something is amiss. While many TMJ problems are transient, some are chronic and require treatment. Your jaw discomfort might be caused by the flu, a cold, or an unforeseen trauma that will pass with time and relaxation.
Dental Injuries:
Disruption to your teeth is a common yet long-term result of untreated TMJ. One of the most prevalent symptoms is bruxism, or teeth grinding, which can sometimes be a marker of TMJ. Untreated TMJ can cause difficulty biting, difficulty speaking, an unappealing grin, tooth discomfort, and more money out the door to get your teeth corrected.
Reduced Life Quality:
Untreated TMJ will cause a variety of unpleasant side effects which can have a significant negative effect on your way of life. Your regular headaches and persistent discomfort may drive you to miss work more frequently, decline social engagements, and spend the most of your time in bed feeling miserable. Moreover, jaw pain might make it difficult to eat your favorite meals.
Hearing Problems:
Tinnitus, or noise in the ears, are one of the most commonly caused issues when TMJ is left untreated which can also impair sleep and make it difficult to focus. Since your body's sense of balance is located in the inner ears, TMJ disorder-induced inflammation can affect balance, resulting in dizziness, unsteadiness, and vertigo.
Don't allow all of these issues to become a reality as you refuse to address your TMJ ailment. If your TMJ problems linger longer than a week, do visit our Vistadent TMJ dentist. For more information, just dial now.