When you wake up with a headache or occasional jaw pain, you may not think it’s a big deal or even worth dealing with. However, symptoms like TMJ pain rarely go away on their own and can be an indication for something much worse that’s developing. This includes TMD, a condition that affects the jaw, but has many long-term consequences that dramatically affect other areas of your body and your quality of life as well.
Chronic Jaw Pain
Conditions like TMD (or temporomandibular joint disorder) put disproportionate amounts of force on the joints attaching the jaw to the skull. As the mouth is opened and closed, such as when chewing, it causes inflammation within the joints, which then leads to chronic jaw discomfort. This pain will only continue to worsen the longer TMD goes untreated.
Damage to the Jaw Joints
The moment an injury occurs inside the body, inflammation occurs. This is the body’s natural response to injuries that require healing. If the jaw joints do not receive the treatment they need, long-term damage to the joints can happen, making treatment more difficult to successfully complete.
Regular Headaches
Since the jaw is directly attached to the skull, it’s likely that your jaw pain will eventually travel to your head as well in the form of headaches. This is why those who suffer from TMD are also very likely to develop chronic headaches and even migraines as well.
Sleep Disorders
TMD is often caused by the bite being misaligned. This can actually affect your ability to sleep as the airway can become restricted when the jaw is not resting in the correct position. As less oxygen gets into your body during sleep, you increase your chances of developing sleep apnea, a condition that forces you awake multiple throughout times the night and makes it impossible to feel properly rested when you wake up.
Tinnitus
If you notice a consistent ringing or buzzing in the ears, it’s possible that you may have tinnitus caused by TMD. On top of that, tinnitus can cause fatigue and increase your risk for higher stress levels, depression, memory problems, anxiety, and irritability.
Wear and Tear to Teeth
When the bite is misaligned, you carry a much higher risk for teeth grinding and clenching. These habits are a common precursor for TMD, which is why dentists always take the time to look out for them during dental exams. If your teeth appear flatter or worn down, you’ll want to get in touch with a dentist as soon as possible.
You don’t have to face chronic discomfort on your own. Get in touch with a dentist today to protect yourself from the dangers of TMD!
About MoreSMILES Dental
The dentists at MoreSMILES Dental offer multiple customized TMJ therapy options designed to relieve chronic headaches, migraines, jaw pain, and other common symptoms related to TMD. Additionally, Dr. Moreau Jr. is a member of the College of Craniomandibular Orthopedics, making him uniquely equipped to handle problems caused by a dysfunctional and unbalanced jaw. To schedule an appointment, you can contact him through his website.