If you frequently experience headaches or discomfort around your face and jaw, it could be a sign of temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD). These symptoms may seem like a minor issue you can brush off and relieve with over-the-counter pain reducers, but over time this condition can take a toll on your overall wellbeing. In today’s blog, your team at Potach and Mitchell Dental Clinic in Austin, MI, are here to discuss why this disorder should be treated.
Relieve Discomfort And Improve Your Overall Health
TMJ dysfunction happens when your jaw joints do not hinge properly or have excessive tension placed on them. As a result, you may notice that you experience frequent headaches or pain around your jaw. These problems can be frustrating and can have a significant impact on your overall wellbeing. When left untreated, this can turn into chronic pain that affects your day to day life. This disorder can also be linked to other problems like tinnitus (ringing in the ears), bruxism (chronic teeth grinding), depression, and other conditions that can affect your quality of life.
Protect Your Teeth From Damage
TMJ dysfunction can potentially harm your oral health if left untreated. When your jaw does not rest properly or has too much pressure placed on the joints, it can cause an uneven bite and even misalignment in some cases. Patients with TMD often have bruxism as well, which causes them to grind their teeth or clench their jaw. Bruxism often occurs when you are asleep or unaware that you are doing it, which can make it hard to recognize. If you notice that your teeth are sensitive or have rapidly worn down, this could be sign that you are grinding your teeth. An oral appliance may be able to help protect your teeth at night and better support your jaw to help treat symptoms of these conditions.
Get Better Rest At Night
The side effects of TMD may be affecting your quality of sleep without you being aware. If you wake up after a full night’s rest feeling fatigued or irritated, it may be because the discomfort around your jaw is disrupting your ability to sleep. Getting inadequate rest can increase your feelings of depression, anxiety, and can harm your physical health. Patients with TMJ or bruxism may also be more likely to experience sleep apnea, which causes pauses in their breathing as you rest. This can be a harmful disorder, as it can disrupt your rest and can cause many health problems.
Are You Ready To Relieve Discomfort And Stop TMD? Call Our Team Today
The team at Potach and Mitchell Dental Clinic in Austin, MN, can help diagnose and treat your jaw dysfunction. Schedule an appointment with our team today by calling 507-437-6312.
