If you suffer from temporomandibular joint dysfunction, you know how uncomfortable this condition can be. Temporomandibular joint dysfunction occurs when the temporomandibular joint (that connects your lower jaw to your skull) becomes misaligned. This can cause your jaw to make a popping or clicking sound when you open or close your mouth. It can also cause the jaw to have difficulty opening and closing, and can be very painful. But did you know that temporomandibular joint dysfunction can also cause other issues? Here are some other problems that you may or may not realize could be related to temporomandibular joint dysfunction – and what you can do about them.
Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is a common side effect of temporomandibular joint dysfunction. It can be both a cause and an effect of temporomandibular joint dysfunction, and it can really cause a lot of damage to your teeth. Bruxism can cause chipping and cracking of the teeth, making your smile look jagged and broken, so if you find yourself grinding your teeth, speak to Dr. Mazhari today about your options. It can be as simple as getting a custom bite guard made to absorb some of the pressure of grinding teeth.
Migraine Headaches
Recent studies have shown that temporomandibular joint dysfunction can not only exacerbate, but may also cause migraine headaches. Though it is not known for sure what the connection between the two conditions is, treating your temporomandibular joint dysfunction may help reduce migraine pain.
Tinnitus
Do your ears ring? You could have a condition called tinnitus, which may or may not be caused by temporomandibular joint dysfunction. While we don’t know why temporomandibular joint dysfunction may cause tinnitus, one theory has to do with the temporomandibular joint being so close to the ears.
Body Aches
Even though the temporomandibular joint is in the jaw, that pain can radiate throughout the entire upper body, causing headaches, neck pain, back pain and more. This can even affect your posture and other joints.
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal, or gum, disease is a common ailment among American adults, but did you know it can be caused by temporomandibular joint dysfunction? Periodontal disease is a serious condition that can lead to loss of teeth, gum tissue and even jaw bone, so if you have periodontal disease, it’s important to get it treated immediately.
If you have temporomandibular joint dysfunction, Dr. Mazhari can customize a treatment plan that helps correct this condition, reducing the pain you feel throughout your body. To learn more about your treatment options, please contact the office at (703) 212-9622 to schedule a consultation.