It’s November now, meaning most people are prepping for the holidays. There are just a few days until Veterans Day, and Thanksgiving is only a few weeks away! However, did you know these two events aren’t November’s only special occasions? In fact, this period is also TMJ Awareness Month! As such, it’s a time to focus on and remember TMJ disorder. Fortunately, your local dentist can help you out. Read on to learn the signs of this jaw condition, its risks, and your options for TMJ treatment in Gainesville.
What are the Signs of TMJ Disorder?
To be clear, “TMJ” refers to your temporomandibular joints. They’re the body parts that connect your lower jaw to your skull. As such, TMJ disorder occurs when these joints fail to work properly. When that happens, you might experience the following:
- Jaw Pain: In most cases, this pain will appear in one or both joints.
- Facial Pain: If you have TMJ problems, the pain might manifest behind the eye, around the ear, or even in the form of earaches. This discomfort can also manifest as a tired or aching feeling on your face.
- Jaw Sounds: If your jaw joints aren’t in good shape, they can make clicking, popping, and grinding sounds when you open or close your mouth. These noises may or may not be painful.
- Bite Problems: TMJ disorder sometimes leads to shifts in your jaw, resulting in trouble chewing or an uncomfortable bite.
What Happens if You Leave it Untreated?
Rest assured, TMJ disorders usually aren’t life-threatening. That said, they can reduce your overall well-being if left untreated.
For one thing, they often involve chronic pain. The most obvious example is jaw pain, as the joints affected are in your jawbone. At the same time, they also result in headaches due to your jaw’s connection to your skull.
More seriously, an untreated TMJ disorder might diminish your health. The jaw pain, for instance, may result in damage to your temporomandibular joints. If your condition stems from a misaligned bite, it may trigger an airway sleep disorder.
How Can Dentists Treat the Issue?
Fortunately, you can count on dentists for ways to treat TMJ disorder. One option is an occlusal adjustment, which would modify your tooth enamel so it bites down more evenly. On the other hand, you might need an occlusal splint — an appliance that keeps your teeth from grinding. By wearing it, the tool would guide your jaw as it moves side-to-side and front-to-back.
As you can see, TMJ treatment in Gainesville would be a good choice. Talk to your dentist about it as you honor the current TMJ Awareness Month!
About the Practice
Lifetime Dental is based in Gainesville, GA. As led by Dr. Shue Her, our practice strives to give patients the best dental care possible. We do so by offering preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, not to mention emergency procedures. Our office is also a certified provider of dental sedation, gum disease treatment, and TMJ therapy. For more information or to book an appointment, reach us on our website or by phone at (770)-536-6688.