TMJ Risks to Know About

Temporomandibular joint disorder — otherwise known as “TMD”, “TMJD” or “TMJ” by some — is a painful condition that affects the joint on either side of your mouth.

Since you rely on your TMJ to move thousands of times per day (every time you eat or talk) any damage or strain can significantly impact your lifestyle. How do you know if you’re prone to developing TMJ disorder? Even if you’re not experiencing any pain yet, watch out for these warning signs:

Your Teeth are Misaligned

Having crooked, crowded teeth or jaws that don’t line up properly may seem like nothing more than an aesthetic concern. But when your TMJ has to move irregularly just to grind food effectively, it can lead to long term joint damage.

You Clench and Grind Your Teeth

Excessive bruxism (clenching and grinding) will flatten, fracture, and wear down your teeth. But all of the tension will originate near your TMJ, where the grinding muscles constantly contract. If you let our Wantrina South dentists know about your grinding, we can fit you with a bite splint to help protect your smile and your joint.

You Have Sleep Apnoea

Oddly, people who have sleep apnoea tend to clench their teeth tightly together while they sleep, adding to their airway blockage. You’ll notice this if you wake up with headaches first thing in the morning or have a sore jaw that accompanies it.

You Have Earaches and Headaches

Migraines, headaches, and earaches are common symptoms of TMJ disorder. They’re often misdiagnosed because people don’t realize the pain is being referred away from their TMJ. So, let our Wantrina South dentists know if you’re experiencing any of these medical issues.

TMJ Exams in Wantrina South

Keep your TMJ healthy and minimize the risk of complications by scheduling regular checkups at Studfield Dental Group!