SCOTTS VALLEY, SANTA CRUZ, CA
TMJ or temporomandibular joint disorder affects between 10 million to 35 million people in the U.S. Additionally, the American Academy of General Dentistry estimates that more than 65% of people will experience TMJ-related symptoms during their lifetime. With many adults suffering from TMJ disorder, you’d think more research would be available regarding diagnosis and treatment. But unfortunately, TMJ sufferers often deal with their discomfort in silence or are misdiagnosed by other physicians. So today on the blog, TMJ dentists in Scotts Valley at Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry share four scary facts about TMJ disorder and the next step you should take if you believe you have this debilitating condition.
Surprising symptoms related to TMJ disorder
While the most common symptoms related to TMJ disorder include jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds, and toothaches or soreness in the jaws, other symptoms may surprise you. For instance, having a full feeling or ringing sounds in your ears could indicate inflammation and reduced blood flow to the jaw joints, related to TMJ disorder. Additionally, frequent headaches or neck pain could also result from TMJ disorder. There have even been reports linking fibromyalgia with TMJ disorder. Therefore, do not ignore your symptoms. Instead, get checked by a TMJ specialist near you in Scotts Valley if you experience chronic pain in your jaw area, head, or neck.
Smoking makes TMJ worse
According to a study conducted by the University of Kentucky, women who smoke or previously smoked have a higher chance of developing chronic pain than nonsmokers. Since TMJ disorder often results in chronic pain, smoking could worsen your discomfort. Additionally, smoking also restricts blood flow and leads to inflammation, which is problematic for TMJ disorder.
Nail-biting could contribute to TMJ disorder
Biting your fingernails has also been linked to causing the onset of TMJ disorder. Our teeth and mastication (chewing) muscles are designed for eating, swallowing, and speaking, not to be used as tools or to cut, tear, or bite hard objects like fingernails. Therefore, chomping on your nails, especially if it’s a habit, could actually lead to TMJ disorder. Plus, nail-biting is an unsanitary habit because your fingernails harbor germs that can make you sick.
TMJ disorder can only be managed, not cured
A qualified physician that treats jaw joint disorders in Scotts Valley can help manage your pain and relief TMJ disorder symptoms. While there is no cure for TMJ disorder, effective treatment can provide long-term relief from chronic pain, headaches, and other TMJ symptoms.
TMJ Dentists in Scotts Valley, Los Gatos, and Santa Cruz
Dealing with chronic pain from TMJ disorder can be scary, especially when you continue being misdiagnosed by other physicians. In fact, it can be discouraging, to say the least, not to find answers to validate your discomfort. However, a TMJ dentist near you in Scotts Valley is the best physician to see regarding TMJ diagnosis and treatment. While the condition cannot be cured, management techniques are available for patients that comply with treatment. To learn more about managing TMJ disorder in Scotts Valley or finding relief for TMJ disorder in Los Gatos, call Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry by calling (831) 438-4411 or contact us today.
