Temporomandibular joint dysfunction, can take a toll on your smile in the both the short and the long terms. The good news is that our Elmhurst TMJ dentists help patients avoid serious TMJ-related problems with effective treatment. Let’s learn more about what can happen to your oral health if TMJ problems go unaddressed.
Your TMJ is the joint that connects your skull to your bottom jaw. You have two of these joints—one on each side of your face. When TMJs are healthy you are able to move your mouth vertically and from side to side, sot hat you can chew, speak, and emote.
The TMJ joint can become damaged or inflamed due to:
· Injury—damage to the jaw/face can result from bike/car accidents as well as sports injuries
· Poor bite alignment—if your back teeth do not close in an even manner, your TMJ may become misaligned as a result
· Bruxism—this condition is marked by chronic dental grinding and clenching
· Dental damage
If the TMJ is not treated, and the condition not improved, you may be susceptible to suffering from:
· Limited jaw mobility—trouble swallowing and speaking
· Jaw pain
· Jaw and facial swelling
· A clicking or crunching noise when you attempt to move your jaw
· Enamel thinning due to TMJ-related bruxism
· A jaw that locks in place when you try to open it
In order to minimize your risk of dealing with these issues, it is critical that you seek prompt treatment for any TMJ issues that you may notice. TMJ problems can compound and intensify over time, so timely treatment is recommended.
Do you want to learn more about how to prevent and treat TMJ problems? If so, please call our Elmhurst TMJ dentists to schedule a consultation, or to get additional information.