On either side of your face, you have a temporomandibular joint. This joint is known as the TMJ. These joints connect your lower jawbone, or mandible, to the temporal bone of your skull. Whenever you open and close your mouth, you’re using these joints and their associated muscles. TMJ disorders, or TMD, occur when the temporomandibular joints do not function properly and/or cause pain in the jaw or jaw muscles.
Read on to learn about the causes of this jaw dysfunction and its possible effects on your health.
What Causes TMJ Dysfunction?
Disorder of the TMJ can have many causes and contributing factors, such as: an injury or trauma to the jaw; arthritis; chronic teeth grinding and clenching; excessive gum chewing; genetics; and autoimmune diseases. Every case is different and it may be difficult to pinpoint what’s causing your jaw issues. Fortunately, we can still provide TMD treatment without knowing the specific cause.
How TMJ Disorder Affects Your Health
If left untreated, a TMJ disorder can negatively impact your health and quality of life. You can experience:
- Clicking or popping of your jaw
- Tenderness and/or aching pain in your jaw that can radiate throughout your face, neck, shoulders, and back
- Tinnitus, or ringing in your ears
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Headaches or migraines
- Pain and/or difficulty opening and closing your mouth, chewing, speaking, yawning, or coughing
- Difficulty sleeping
- Trouble focusing
TMJ Treatment at South Texas Smiles
Choose South Texas Smiles to be your dentist in San Antonio! We offer comprehensive dental services, including treatment for temporomandibular joint disorders. During your appointment, our team will discuss your unique situation to determine an effective treatment plan. This may include a customized oral appliance and exercises to help realign your jaw and ease pain.
Please contact us today with any questions or to schedule an appointment at South Texas Smiles in San Antonio, TX.
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