The ability for you to easily and freely move your jaw relies on the health of your temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This joint connects the jaw and skull, allowing you to chew, speak, and even yawn with comfort. Unfortunately, some people suffer from a TMJ disorder, causing the jaw to become irritated or inflamed. This can lead to various symptoms, including pain throughout the face and neck, difficulty chewing, facial swelling, and clicking or popping of the jaw. If left untreated, this oral issue can lead to even more issues. Read on to learn the dangers of untreated TMJ disorder and how your dentist can help.
What Are the Dangers of Untreated TMJ Disorder?
While TMJ disorder is not considered life-threatening, it can eventually lead to negative repercussions if left untreated. The following are the dangers of not seeking help for this condition:
#1. Chronic Pain
When TMJ disorder goes unchecked for long periods of time, your occasional jaw pain can become a long-term issue. The short-term pain is a sign that your body needs help. Before you know it, the major discomfort can turn into chronic pain is you choose to ignore the warning signs.
#2. Joint Damage and Inflammation
If your arm or leg were broken, would you ignore it and let it heal on its own? More than likely, you would get it looked at and agree to a cast, so it doesn’t become further damaged while it heals. This scenario applies to TMJ disorder. By neglecting to seek treatment, you increase the chances of increased joint damage and inflammation.
#3. Recurring Headaches
In addition to jaw pain, headaches are a common symptom of TMJ disorder. They can begin to worsen if your condition is not treated. Since your TMJ connects the jaw and surrounding muscles to the skull, any issues in the joint can cause headaches. You will continue to experience headaches is the joint is left to suffer.
How Can Your Dentist Help?
As you seek help from your dentist, they can offer TMJ therapy to bring healing to your jaw. They will give you a thorough examination and base their treatment plan on their findings. Oftentimes, TMJ disorder is caused by misalignment of the bite. They can offer an oral appliance or Invisalign to bring alignment and decrease discomfort. No matter which route is taken, one thing is guaranteed: your dentist will get you started on your journey towards a happier smile and better quality of life!
About the Practice
Distinctive Dentistry keeps the smiles of Dallas whole, healthy, and beautiful through the expertise of its team of dentists. With a focus on providing high-quality dentistry with cutting-edge technology, they provide a range of services to keep your oral health in top condition. They can treat your TJM disorder with customized plans and treatments, such as oral appliances or braces. To schedule an appointment, contact them through their website or call (770) 445-6606.
