Misconceptions That You Should Never Believe About TMJ Disorder

It is more likely that you have heard about temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. How well do you know about this condition? While many people know this concern causes jaw pain, there are many misunderstandings concerning this disorder. These misconceptions have hindered individuals from pursuing the right treatments making individuals continue living with this debilitating disorder. Therefore, when beginning the journey for long-term relief, it is good to understand TMJ Bronx deeply. Keep reading this article to understand the reality behind common myths concerning TMJ.

TMJ Is a Condition

The mention of TMJ can make you think it is a medical condition. However, the reality is that TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint. Usually, this joint facilitates the movement of your lower jaws. Temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) occurs when you experience pain in your jaws and neighboring muscles. Therefore,  you should use TMD or TMJ disorder when referring to the condition.

Only Accidents Cause This Condition

Many people perpetuate the olden ideas claiming that only accidents can trigger TMD. While many causes of TMJ disorder involve injuries like a blow to the jaw, there are other causes of TMD. For example, you risk developing this disorder if you suffer from bruxism. Notably, teeth grinding when you sleep causes excessive pressure on jaw tissues, thus causing pain. Malocclusion is another risk factor of TMD.

TMD Has Nothing to Do With Headache

You may think there is no correlation between headaches and TMD, but you are mistaken. In reality, individuals who suffer from TMD are at greater risk of headaches. Notably, when the TMJ muscles tense, the discomfort can spread to your head, igniting your headaches. Therefore, you could have TMD if you experience headaches that spark through your cheeks.

You Always Need Surgery When You Have TMD

Although surgery can help you alleviate jaw pain, it can expose you to other complications. For example, it can cause severe injuries in the middle ear leading to hearing problems. Therefore, surgery should be the last option when seeking treatment for TMJ concerns. Ask your dentist about other options for TMD treatments, such as muscle relaxants and pain medication. Your dentist will recommend surgery if the alternatives are ineffective in alleviating pain.

This Disorder Is Not Bothersome

While deaths are rare regarding TMD, this disorder can affect many aspects of your health. For example, you will experience pain which limits you from getting quality. Consequently, you will be vulnerable to other concerns like depression and anxiety. Also, this disorder can hinder you from eating nutritious meals due to chewing difficulties. Poor nutrition can compromise your immune system, thus leading to infections.

Do you experience sharp jaw pain? Do you notice inflammation in your jaws? If you answer yes to those questions, you could suffer from TMJ. The right information about this condition is necessary as you prepare for the TMD treatment. That is why it is necessary to go through the above-deflated myths to have a deeper insight into TMJ disorder. For example, you will learn that there are other causes of TMD other than accidents. Also, you will understand that the dentist will recommend TMJ surgery when other treatment alternatives fail to relieve the pain.

Julio Jones