TMD Causes and Impact on Your Dental Health
If you experience pain and tenderness in your jaw or a clicking sound in your ear, they could be symptoms of TMD. TMD (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder) can make chewing and speaking uncomfortable. Find out why Freedom Dental recommends early treatment, especially when symptoms are persistent and intense.
What causes TMD?
TMD is a condition that affects the temporal bones, which make up the joints around the ear on opposite sides of the head. The bones serve as a hinge when you move your jaw when chewing or talking.
TMD occurs when there is a problem with the normal functioning of the joint. The problem often arises from muscle inflammation or injuries that cause joint deterioration. Arthritis may cause bone degeneration and tissue inflammation. That may lead to pain and difficulties with opening and closing the jaw.
Another cause is tension and stress on the jaw muscles around the temporal bones. Teeth grinding or bruxism strain the jaw muscles and joints. The excessive pressure will eventually cause discomfort around the temporal area.
A blow to the side of your face could be another trigger for TMD symptoms. An injury on the TMJ joint could cause disc degeneration.
Symptoms of TMD may include:
- Difficulty chewing or opening your jaw
- aw tenderness or soreness
- Aching pain around the side of your jaw
- Headaches or ear aches
TMD complications
If untreated, TMD can worsen over time, speeding up bone degeneration and inflammation. For example, research suggests a link between stress, TMD, and teeth grinding. These three factors can worsen your symptoms by intensifying the tension around the temporomandibular joint. You may experience more frequent incidences of pain and headaches.
Muscle tension can trigger chronic pain and discomfort. Besides making it difficult to open and close the jaw, the muscular strain leads to teeth clenching and grinding. Sleep disorders and psychological distress are also prevalent among patients with the disorder.
Untreated TMD often leads to tooth problems such as fractures and cavities. The clenching and grinding weaken the enamel due to the persistent friction between teeth. Toothaches will also intensify the discomfort you feel around the jaw and ear.
TMD diagnosis and treatment
Early treatment is essential for your dental and overall health. The principal goal of a diagnosis is to examine the temporomandibular joint for anomalies. Your dentist will take x-rays of your jaw bone and TMJ bones.
The procedure also includes a physical exam to check jaw movement. Your dentist will touch areas around your jaw and ear to assess areas with tenderness or pain. CT and MRI scans may provide detailed photos of the surrounding tissue if necessary for your case.
Your diagnosis will inform the choice of treatment options, which include pain relief for mild to moderate symptoms. Some patients with bruxism can minimize symptoms with a mouthguard or a suitable oral appliance.
Dental specialists only recommend surgical treatments for severe symptoms of TMD. That is why it is advisable to seek early treatment to avoid complex procedures.
Contact Freedom Care Dental to schedule your appointment today.
