Is TMJ Serious?
Temporomandibular joint disorders, commonly referred to as TMJ or TMJD, have multiple overlapping symptoms, but the most common manifestation of these disorders includes pain or tenderness near the jaw joint and difficulty moving the joint. The temporomandibular joints are located on either side of the face, at the hinge where the jaw connects to the skull. Diagnosing TMJ can be difficult, as there are multiple causes for TMJ disorders, but treatment can reduce the severity of symptoms or even eliminate the disorder entirely. In many cases, TMJ symptoms resolve on their own once the root cause of the disorder is addressed, though some cases cause more significant symptoms that could interfere with quality of life. While these more serious symptoms could cause issues, more conservative treatment methods are recommended before pursuing aggressive treatment approaches like surgery. When TMJ isn’t addressed, it could cause persistent pain or discomfort in the jaw and lead to inflammation in the jaw or damage to the teeth. So, there isn’t really a simple answer to the question of whether TMJ is serious; some cases are, and some aren’t. However, the best way to ensure that symptoms resolve and the condition doesn’t become more serious is to see a doctor when symptoms appear, and to follow the doctor’s instructions for treating the issue.
Symptoms of TMJ also vary significantly in their severity. For some people, TMJ disorders cause only mild or moderate discomfort in the jaw or neck, which often resolves with some stress management and behavior modification. For example, many cases of TMJ arise because the patient unconsciously, habitually clenches or grinds their teeth, which often occurs while they’re sleeping. This condition of chronic grinding or clenching is called bruxism. For patients with TMJ caused by bruxism, dentists recommend sleeping with a night guard in place to protect the teeth and offset the pressure caused by bruxism. Most of the time, a solution as simple as a night guard can eliminate symptoms and return the jaw to its normal working order. Whenever TMJ is caused by an outside cause, the first treatment approach is to address that outside cause. This might mean implementing a stress-management program, changing dietary habits, or even adjusting the posture, and your health care provider can recommend such steps at your next visit.
While many cases of TMJ are mild, the disorder can also cause vertigo or headaches and might interfere with the patient’s ability to chew, swallow, and eat. If you have TMJ that is interfering with your ability to function or to live comfortably, see your doctor as soon as you can to resolve these issues and prevent more serious concerns from arising. Most medical and dental professionals recommend at-home treatments, starting with the least invasive and most moderate approaches. These approaches include using hot or cold compresses to relieve pain and swelling, avoiding tough or dense foods or excessive chewing, reducing stress, and incorporating jaw exercises to help improve mobility and strengthen affected muscles. When these treatments don’t clear the TMJ up, medications can be added to treatment. These may include over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication or prescription designed to relax the muscles and diminish the effects of stress, as recommended by your medical provider. Physical therapy may also be recommended. When symptoms of TMJ aren’t resolved with these home treatments, your doctor or dentist may determine that your case requires more aggressive treatment, including botox injections or surgery, though such approaches are usually considered a last resort. Because TMJ affects everyone differently, the best way to determine whether it’s serious is to see a medical professional, try out some recommended remedies, and go from there.