If you frequently wake up with headaches, pain, or swelling of your jaw, you may have TMJ disorder. This is a condition that happens when your jaw joints do not fit properly. There are several causes for this condition, and your Potach and Mitchell dental team can help diagnose and treat the problem. In today’s blog, read why you should not put off your symptoms and how a simple solution can help.
Harmful Effects Of TMJ
Millions of people deal with TMD. This condition may be caused by arthritis, tooth grinding, jaw injury, or other factors. The side effects may begin as small amounts of discomfort that you can try to ignore. However, over time without treatment, the symptoms may begin to worsen.
Unfortunately, this problem can harm your physical health. Your temporomandibular joint is one of the most frequently used joints in the body, so when it does not function properly, there can be severe issues to follow. You may wake up after a night’s rest with a headache or sore jaw. This may be due to grinding your teeth, which often happens in an attempt to alleviate the pressure from your joints. Chronically grinding your teeth can lead to wearing down your enamel and becoming more susceptible to cavities, cracks, and chips on your tooth. In addition to this, you may also be getting poor-quality sleep at night. If this happens frequently, you may feel more irritable or experience higher levels of depression and anxiety due to lack of sleep.
A Non-Surgical Solution
For some people, this condition may go away on its own. However, if your symptoms persist, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible. Many people may not know this, but your dentist can help diagnose and treat TMD. During an examination, your dentist may ask you to open and close your mouth. They will listen for popping sounds that often happen in patients with TMJ. They may also have X-rays done to take a closer look at your joints. If it is determined that you have TMD, a custom mouthguard can be created. This will be worn at night and can help your jaw stay in a fixed position. The benefit of this tool is that it requires no surgery and is highly effective.
We Can Help With Sleep Apnea, Too
Patients with TMJ are often found to have other conditions such as bruxism and sleep apnea. If you believe your snoring may be a serious problem, you can talk to your dentist at your next appointment. An oral appliance can treat snoring and sleep apnea along with your TMD.
Get Your Oral Appliance Today
If you or a loved one may have TMD, talk to your dentist today. To schedule an appointment with Potach & Mitchell in Austin, MN, call 507-437-6312.
