TMJD, or temporomandibular joint disorder, is a condition that can cause severe pain and discomfort in the jaw, face, neck, and shoulders. It’s important to take symptoms of TMJD seriously and seek treatment as soon as possible—otherwise, your condition may worsen over time. Here’s what you need to know about the dangers of untreated TMJD.
The Dangers of Ignoring TMJ Symptoms
It’s easy to ignore the symptoms of TMJ because they often get worse over time—it’s not uncommon for people to shrug off minor jaw pain as “normal” until it becomes too much to handle. Unfortunately, this can be a dangerous mistake. By ignoring the signs that something is wrong with your jaw joint, you risk doing further damage to your jaw joint and surrounding muscles—which could result in chronic pain and stiffness. In some cases, untreated TMJ can lead to permanent damage and lifelong consequences if left unchecked for too long.
Another danger of ignoring your symptoms is that it can make them worse over time. The more you use your jaw joint without addressing the root cause of your pain, the more likely it is that you will experience more frequent episodes of discomfort in the future. Moreover, ignoring your symptoms means that you are missing out on valuable treatment options like physical therapy or orthodontic treatments that could help improve your quality of life and reduce your symptoms significantly.
Finally, if left untreated for too long, TMJ can start to affect other parts of your body as well.
- Head-chronic headaches or migraines
- Neck-neck pain and soreness
All these conditions can have serious implications for your physical and mental health if left untreated for too long. It’s important to address any potential signs of TMJ early on so as not to suffer from any unnecessary complications down the line.
TMJ and Sleep
Untreated TMJ can also have a huge impact on your sleep. If you are suffering from TMJ, it can exacerbate your symptoms of sleep apnea and make them worse. The reverse is also true—if you have undiagnosed or untreated sleep apnea, it can worsen the symptoms of TMJ and make them harder to manage. Sleep apnea is a serious condition that can lead to multiple health complications if not treated properly.
Symptoms of sleep apnea include loud snoring, pauses in breathing during the night (sometimes lasting several seconds each), and feeling tired during the day, even after a full night’s rest. It’s important to get checked out by a doctor if you feel that you may be experiencing any of these symptoms, as they could be signs of sleep apnea caused by TMJ.
Treatment Options for TMJ Disorder
Fortunately, several treatment options are available for those suffering from TMJ disorder.
Treatments include:
- Custom-fit oral appliances that help realign the bite
- Botox
- Physical therapy exercises
- Relaxation techniques
- Lifestyle changes such as reducing stress
- Over-the-counter medications
- Alternative therapies such as acupuncture or massage therapy
Each individual case will require its own unique approach based on the underlying cause of the disorder—so it’s important to consult with a qualified professional who specializes in treating TMJ before attempting any kind of self-treatment plan.
In severe cases, arthroscopic surgery may be necessary to correct the joint, but this is typically only done after all other treatment options have been exhausted.
Let Us Help You Keep Smiling
TMJ disorder should not be taken lightly; it’s important to seek treatment at the first sign of symptoms so that you can avoid any further damage or complications down the line. If you think that you may be experiencing any issues related to TMJ disorder then please book an appointment with us today; we will be happy to help diagnose and treat any potential problems so that you can enjoy a healthy life free from pain!
If you are searching for TMJ treatment in Deer Park or Barrington, or if you are searching for oral surgeon Deer Park, oral surgeon Barrington, or an oral surgeon near me, we are here for you. Call us at (847) 381-0106 or complete the online booking form for a consultation.
