Is TMJ Serious?
In some cases, TMJ dysfunctions resolve easily, and pain and discomfort diminish with only minor modifications to certain habits and behaviors. In other cases, resolving TMJ disorders takes a bit more work, though even these more severe cases can often be resolved with at-home treatment methods. It’s important to address TMJ disorders in some way, however, as they can grow more severe and can cause substantial health implications if left untreated. While the discomfort of TMJ might be minimal enough to endure, the risks posed by untreated TMJ can snowball and interfere with comfortable eating, sleeping, speaking, and other daily tasks, significantly diminishing quality of life. So, while TMJ in and of itself may not seem serious, and while it can often be successfully treated at home, allowing TMJ disorders to progress untreated can lead to serious side effects that can compromise the overall health and well-being.
As the symptoms of TMJ disorder intensify, it becomes harder to chew and swallow effectively, which interferes with the ability to chew and enjoy a nutritious, balanced diet. Of course, a balanced diet is an integral part of an overall healthy life. When the jaw’s movement grows restricted, a common symptom of TMJ, speaking or even yawning could become painful, and the pain associated with TMJ can lead to interrupted, unsatisfying sleep that affects brain function and mood. Patients with chronic TMJ report a variety of issues with quality of life, from an inclination to cancel plans when the disorder flares up, to a loss of interest in favorite foods or enjoyable hobbies like singing. TMJ disorders can also result in dental misalignment and interfere with the ability to effectively brush and floss the teeth, contributing to long-term negative effects on oral hygiene that can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, and, eventually, tooth loss.
While untreated TMJ disorders can certainly lead to serious problems, these disorders are treatable, and their side effects are preventable. If you suspect that you have a TMJ disorder, see your dentist. The most common symptoms are pain in the jaw, on either side of the face, or in the ear near the jaw; difficulty or pain while biting or chewing; a clicking or popping sound in the jaw; and frequent headaches, particularly those on the affected side of the head. Your dentist will assess the range of motion of your jaw, pinpointing areas of discomfort and manually examining the jaw joints while you open and close your mouth. Dentists also rely on imaging, like x-rays or CT scans, to locate underlying causes for TMJ disorders. Seeking medical attention early can help prevent symptoms from escalating and reduce the necessity for invasive treatments. Medical attention can also help you resolve uncomfortable, if not downright painful, symptoms promptly and easily. Non-surgical treatment options include night guards and bite splints to relieve pressure on the jaw, physical therapy, stretching and strengthening exercises, over-the-counter medication, modified diet, and stress management techniques. There are also clinical methods, like injections of botulinum toxin or corticosteroids or stimulation with low-level electrical currents, that can help the jaw relax and relieve muscle tension in the jaw. When all other methods fail, surgical treatment might be necessary, though invasive procedures are considered a last resort, and, for the majority of patients, less-invasive treatment methods can be used to effectively manage TMJ pain and prevent the recurrence of TMJ disorder.