Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, often referred to simply as TMJ, are estimated to affect over 11 million people in the United States alone [1]. TMJ disorders can cause symptoms ranging from muscle pain in the jaw to tension headaches and trouble opening and closing your mouth all the way.
Although TMJ can be temporary for some patients, for others, the discomfort doesn’t go away and often only gets worse. Here are the top reasons you shouldn’t ignore any symptoms you may have related to your temporomandibular joints.
You Can Develop Chronic Pain
Unaddressed, a temporomandibular joint disorder can cause chronic pain or discomfort. Chronic pain is considered to be pain that lasts more than three months [2]. Addressing your TMJ symptoms as soon as you notice them may prevent the problem from getting worse and help identify any potential underlying issues.
For example, some patients have incorrectly placed dental restorations such as crowns or implants that can cause an awkward bite and therefore cause the jaw to work improperly. The resulting tension can lead to chronic pain or inflammation that won’t go away unless the primary issue is addressed.
TMJ Can Affect Your Ability to Chew
Patients with TMJ symptoms can develop problems chewing, especially with consistent or severe jaw pain. For example, some people complain that they can’t eat raw foods, tough foods such as meat, or crunchy foods without experiencing debilitating pain [3].
Although eating a soft-food diet can help improve TMJ pain short term, it may return if the issue isn’t properly addressed. If your TMJ symptoms prevent you from enjoying foods you love, it’s time to talk to your dentist to see what the problem could be.
Your Jaw Can Become Locked in Place
While uncommon, it’s possible that severe TMJ can cause the jaw to lock into place, which causes a person to be unable to move their jaw until the joint can be realigned [4]. This is not only painful, uncomfortable, and frightening but can also require more intensive treatment, such as surgery, to fix.
If you have a limited range of motion with your jaw and have trouble yawning or fully opening your mouth all the way, or you have severe TMJ symptoms or worsening TMJ symptoms, don’t ignore these signs that could lead to an emergency.
Are You Experiencing TMJ Symptoms?
If you’re having any symptoms of a TMJ disorder, including pain near your jaw joints or ears, pain or unusual noises when chewing your food or speaking, or even headaches, it’s time to schedule an appointment with a dentist experienced in diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders.
Addressing your symptoms can help improve your jaw function and your quality of life!
Sources:
1. https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/tmd
2. https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2020/09/more-jaw-pain
3. https://tmj.org/living-with-tmj/diagnosis-and-related-conditions/eating-and-
swallowing/
4. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/unlocking-the-lock-jaw-temporomandibular-
joint-tmj-dysfunction-2017022211146
