When you find out that you have a TMJ disorder, you may wonder whether the easiest thing to do would be to simply ignore it. After all, the pain is something you can learn to live with, right? Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. If you don’t have your TMJ disorder addressed as promptly as possible, it could lead to all kinds of problems. Here are just some of the ways that untreated TMJ disorder can have a negative impact on your quality of life.
It Can Lead to Even Worse Pain Over Time
Even if the pain in your jaw caused by your TMJ disorder doesn’t seem so bad at first, it will likely grow more severe over time. In many cases, it can even turn into a chronic issue, meaning you’ll be living with the discomfort at all times.
On top of that, it’s not just the pain in your jaw that you have to worry about. TMJ disorder is known to cause headaches due to the tightness in the muscles around your jaw joints. As such, you can expect to keep experiencing headaches the longer you ignore the underlying issue.
It Can Cause Your Teeth to Become Worn Down Faster
TMJ disorder is often linked to bruxism, which is when you unconsciously grind and clench your teeth. Over time, bruxism can take its toll on your enamel, causing it to wear down significantly faster than it normally would. This can result in your teeth growing weaker and even fracturing. The sooner you have your TMJ disorder treated, the sooner you can also address the effects of bruxism.
It Can Potentially Lead to a Sleep Disorder
As surprising as it may seem, a TMJ disorder may have an impact on the quality of your sleep if it’s related to a misaligned bite. When your jaw isn’t in the correct position, it can block your airway and interrupt your breathing while you slumber. The result is sleep apnea, a sleep disorder that can leave you feeling exhausted during the day and can potentially have dire long-term consequences for your health.
It Could Result in Malnourishment
When you have TMJ disorder, you may find that chewing certain foods causes you discomfort. You might respond by adjusting your diet so that it mainly consists of soft foods and liquids. However, limiting your diet like this can make it more difficult for you to get proper nutrition. Thus, you could end up malnourished in the long run.
In short, ignoring a TMJ disorder simply isn’t worth it. Seeking treatment as quickly as possible can help you find lasting relief and avoid further problems. Give your dentist a call today if you think you may be suffering from a TMJ disorder.
About the Author
Dr. Cedric Chenet went to Howard University in Washington, DC for his Doctor of Dental Surgery. He has received post-graduate training in different aspects of general dentistry, including periodontics, endodontics, and more. At his practice in Melbourne, he offers customized oral appliances for treating painful TMJ disorders. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Chenet, visit his website or call (321) 253-3136.