4 Signs of TMJ Disorder

TMJ disorder is a painful condition that affects the jaw joints on either side of your mouth. You rely on these joints to talk and eat each day so any damage to them can significantly affect your normal functioning. We’ve listed out some of the most common warning signs of TMJ disorder. If you experience any of the below, it’s time to schedule a consultation with our dentist!

Misaligned Teeth

Crooked or misaligned teeth are far more than an aesthetic concern. Because of their alignment, your jaw joints need to place more strain in order to chew and grind your food effectively. This uneven distribution of pressure left unseen to for a long period of time can give way to significant damage to your jaw joints.

Bruxism

Bruxism is the excessive clenching and grinding of your tooth, both during the day and when asleep at night. This constant action wears down your teeth, flattening them and possibly fracturing them at times too. This grinding also affects the muscles around your jaw, leading to a build-up of tension. To help you with this, and prevent it from damaging your joints, we can provide you with a bite splint.

Sleep Apnoea

People who have sleep apnoea also clench their teeth in their sleep (this is another contributing factor to their airway blockages). If this happens to you, you’re most likely to wake up in the morning feeling very fatigued, with a headache and a sore jaw.

Earaches and Migraines

Facial soreness, ear aches and headaches are all common symptoms of TMJ disorder that are commonly misdiagnosed since people don’t realize the cause of their TMJ joint. If you experience these frequently, make sure to schedule a consultation to pinpoint if TMJ Disorder is the underlying cause.

With regular checkups at Port Melbourne Dental Care, we can ensure that your TMJ is kept healthy and any risks of complications are kept at a minimum! Schedule your appointment with our experienced dentists today.