TMJ Awareness Month: Recognizing and Treating TMJ Disorder

There are roughly 10 million people in the United States who have a TMJ disorder. This condition can cause quite a bit of discomfort, but it can typically be managed with the right steps. Since November is TMJ Awareness Month, now is a good time to become more familiar with the warning signs of TMJ disorder as well as how it can be treated; that way, you can make sure that you’re well-prepared when it comes to keeping this potentially painful problem under control.

What are the Signs of a TMJ Disorder?

A TMJ disorder is an issue with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) that allows you to open and close your jaw. Since there are multiple possible causes for a TMJ disorder, the exact symptoms can vary from patient to patient. That being said, there are some common warning signs that you can watch out for:

• You may experience jaw pain on one or both sides of your face.
• You might hear a clicking or popping sound whenever you move your jaw.
• You may start to suffer from recurring headaches.
• You might notice discomfort behind your eye or around your ear.
• You could develop tinnitus (a ringing sound in your ears), and you might start to have balance problems.

Do any of the symptoms listed above sound familiar? If so, there’s a chance that you’re currently dealing with a TMJ disorder. You should get in touch with your dentist so that they can narrow down the source of the problem.

Why is Treating TMJ Disorder Important?

It may initially seem like TMJ disorder is simply an inconvenience that you can ignore, but the chronic discomfort associated with the condition can take its toll on your quality of life. On top of that, there’s a chance that your symptoms could grow worse over time. It’s best to have your TMJ disorder dealt with as quickly as possible so that you can find lasting relief and prevent further issues.

How Can TMJ Disorder Be Treated?

An unbalanced bite can often be the culprit behind a TMJ disorder. Your dentist can help make sure that your bite is properly balanced by slightly re-shaping specific teeth so that the upper and lower arches come together correctly; this process is known as occlusal equilibration.

Another possible solution for TMJ disorder is to wear an occlusal splint, which is a special kind of oral appliance that can change the position of the jaw. The idea is to take some of the pressure off the jaw joint so that it can recover.

The sooner you visit a trusted dentist, the sooner they can help you find the best way to treat your TMJ disorder. You don’t have to let jaw pain be an everyday part of your life; be proactive in putting a stop to the problem.

About the Author

Dr. J. Peter St. Clair has been practicing dentistry since 1995. He has made a point of introducing the latest technology to his dental practice in Rowley so that he can bring his patients the care they deserve. He can offer occlusal equilibration and occlusal splints to reduce the symptoms of TMJ disorder. To schedule a consultation with Dr. St. Clair, visit his website or call (978) 948-2030.