The Consequences of Untreated TMJ

Dr. Ahmed Uthman
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The Consequences of Untreated TMJ

When your jaw joints, called your temporomandibular joints, which are located on either side of your head, don’t work like they should, they can cause discomfort and unusual noises such as clicking or grinding when moving the jaw.

TMJ disorders can cause an array of symptoms in the body, from jaw pain to headaches to even ear pain. If you have TMJ, you know the discomfort it can cause and how it can impact your daily life. But what happens if you leave TMJ untreated?

Cartilage Degeneration

Your jaw joints are able to work in part because of cartilage, which keeps the joint flexible and helps it move properly. In people who experience TMJ disorders, cartilage degeneration in the form of arthritis is common. Ignoring arthritis or TMJ symptoms can cause cartilage to deteriorate over time, which can lead to worsening of symptoms. Fortunately, there are many non-invasive treatment options available for people who have both arthritis and TMJ, including physical therapy, medications, and even acupuncture [1].

Tinnitus

If you have TMJ, you may also have tinnitus, which is the medical term for ringing in the ears. This condition is more likely to affect women with TMJ disorders, and can also exist with other symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and neck pain. Leaving TMJ untreated can lead to worsening tinnitus, which can impact your quality of life [2].

Tooth Enamel Damage

TMJ disorders have been linked to teeth grinding, or bruxism, although experts are still learning about the relationship between these two conditions. Grinding your teeth can put extra stress on your temporomandibular joints, but on the other hand, if you have TMJ, you may be more at risk for teeth grinding. Leaving TMJ untreated can lead to worsening bruxism, which can cause tooth sensitivity, inflamed gum tissue, and eventually, tooth loss [3].

 Chronic Pain

People who live with TMJ typically experience chronic discomfort, whether in the form of headaches, jaw aches, or ear pain. Chronic pain can get worse over time when TMJ isn’t treated, which can make the condition itself worse [4]. Inflammation and muscle tension are two of the most common causes of this discomfort in patients with TMJ.

Trouble Chewing

Some people with TMJ disorders have difficulty chewing or pain when chewing [5]. Some people can even experience lockjaw, in which the jaw gets stuck in a certain position. Over time, your chewing discomfort can increase, as can your risk for lockjaw with untreated TMJ.

Are You Experiencing TMJ Symptoms?

If you’re experiencing TMJ symptoms, including jaw discomfort, inability to open your mouth all the way, or hearing clicking or popping noises when moving your jaw, it’s time to follow up with your dentist. There are treatment options for TMJ, many of them are minimally invasive and can help improve your comfort and quality of life!

Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3935038/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6736614/
3. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4373025/
5. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tmj/symptoms-causes/syc-20350941

Summary
The Consequences of Untreated TMJ
Article Name
The Consequences of Untreated TMJ
Description
TMJ disorders can cause an array of symptoms in the body, from jaw pain to headaches to even ear pain. If you have TMJ, you know the discomfort it can cause and how it can impact your daily life. But what happens if you leave TMJ untreated?
Author
Potomac Family Dentistry
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Dr. Ahmed Uthman
Dr. Ahmed Uthman
http://www.potomacfamilydental.com/
Dr. Uthman also began practicing general dentistry in 1997, and went on to gain advanced training in orthodontics in 2006. He is dedicated to his patients, and strives to provide treatments that address the underlying issues that cause most cosmetic conditions. He has a great amount of compassion for his patients, and believes that having a long lasting doctor/patient relationship helps to increase the quality and effectiveness of care. Due to his commitment to a high standard of care and additional training, Dr. Uthman is also recognized as an Invisalign Preferred Provider. Dr. Uthman spends much of his free time with his wife and daughters. He enjoys watching soccer matches, playing tennis, and has recently taken up golf as well. Dr. Uthman is trilingual, speaking Kurdish, Arabic, and English.