November is TMJ Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to pay attention to symptoms that may be coming from your jaw joint. Many people experience jaw pain, headaches, or teeth grinding without realizing these issues may be signs of TMJ disorder. Because the symptoms can vary widely, TMJ problems often go unnoticed or untreated, leading to long-term complications. Understanding what is TMJ disorder and when to seek help can make a major difference in your comfort and overall health.
What Is TMJ Disorder?
TMJ disorder refers to problems affecting the temporomandibular joint, which connects your jaw to your skull. This joint allows you to chew, speak, and yawn comfortably. When it becomes strained, inflamed, or misaligned, it can cause a range of symptoms that may seem unrelated at first.
The causes of TMJ disorder can include teeth grinding, clenching, stress, arthritis, bite imbalances, or injury. Because the jaw joint is used constantly, even small issues can worsen over time without proper treatment.
Common Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore
TMJ disorder can present itself in many different ways. Some of the most common symptoms include:
• jaw pain or soreness
• clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when opening or closing the mouth
• chronic headaches or migraines
• difficulty chewing
• stiffness or limited movement in the jaw
• facial, ear, or neck pain
• teeth grinding or clenching, especially at night
Some patients also experience ringing in the ears or dizziness. Since these symptoms overlap with other conditions, many people don’t realize their jaw joint is the source of their discomfort.
If you’ve been dealing with any of these issues, mentioning them to your dentist is an important first step.
Risks of Leaving TMJ Disorder Untreated
TMJ disorder rarely improves on its own. Without proper care, symptoms can gradually worsen, affecting daily activities like eating, speaking, and sleeping. Untreated TMJ problems can lead to increased muscle tension, chronic pain, and worsening grinding that damages your teeth.
In more severe cases, the joint can become permanently damaged, resulting in long-term mobility issues or arthritis in the jaw. Persistent pain and lack of restful sleep can also affect mood, energy levels, and overall quality of life.
Early treatment can help prevent these long-term effects and restore comfort.
How Your Dentist Can Help
Many people don’t realize that their dentist can provide effective treatment for TMJ disorder. After evaluating your symptoms and jaw function, your dentist may recommend a custom oral appliance designed to reduce strain on the jaw joint. These appliances help reposition the jaw, relax the muscles, and protect the teeth from grinding.
Some patients benefit from adjustments that help balance their bite. Improving the way the teeth fit together can relieve pressure on the joint and minimize discomfort. Your dentist may also offer guidance to reduce clenching habits, improve jaw posture, and support healing.
With the right treatment plan, many patients experience significant relief from pain and improved daily function.
Taking action now can help you reclaim comfort and protect your long-term oral health.
About the Practice
Evolution Dental of Portland provides customized TMJ therapy to help patients find lasting relief from jaw pain, headaches, and grinding. Our experienced doctors offer treatments such as custom oral appliances and bite adjustments to improve jaw function and comfort. To learn more about TMJ therapy options, come see us.
Call us at (503) 974-3829 or request an appointment online.