Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) affects many people. It causes pain and discomfort in the jaw. But TMJ does more than cause pain. It can damage your teeth, gums, and jaw muscles. Understanding how TMJ affects these areas is important.
How TMJ Affects Your Teeth
TMJ can lead to teeth grinding, also known as bruxism. When you grind your teeth, you wear down the enamel. This makes your teeth more sensitive. It also increases the risk of cavities. Grinding can even cause cracks or fractures in your teeth. These issues can lead to the need for dental work, like fillings or crowns. Teeth grinding also affects the alignment of your teeth.
Misaligned teeth can cause further complications. You might experience more pain or difficulty chewing. It can also affect your smile. Misaligned teeth often require orthodontic treatment. The constant pressure from grinding can also lead to the loosening of teeth. This can result in tooth mobility, where teeth shift from their original positions.
Moreover, teeth grinding can cause damage to dental restorations. Fillings, crowns, and veneers can wear down or break. This can lead to additional dental visits and increased costs. The pressure from grinding can also affect the roots of your teeth. Over time, this can lead to root resorption, where the body starts to break down and absorb the root structure of the tooth.
Impact on Your Gums
TMJ can cause you to clench your jaw. This puts extra pressure on your gums. Over time, this pressure can damage the gum tissue. Damaged gums can lead to gum recession. When your gums recede, your teeth become more exposed. This increases the risk of tooth decay and loss. Gum recession also affects the appearance of your smile. It can make your teeth look longer.
In severe cases, it can even cause tooth loss. Keeping your gums healthy is crucial. TMJ can make this more challenging. Receding gums can also lead to increased sensitivity. You might feel pain when eating hot or cold foods. Additionally, gum recession can create pockets between the teeth and gums. These pockets can trap food particles and bacteria. This can lead to infections and gum disease.
Periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease, can result from untreated gum recession. Periodontitis can cause the destruction of the bone supporting your teeth. This can lead to tooth loss and other serious health issues.
Effects on Jaw Muscles
TMJ causes tension in your jaw muscles. This tension can lead to muscle fatigue. Over time, your jaw muscles may become sore and weak. You might find it hard to open and close your mouth. This can make eating and speaking difficult. Jaw muscle tension can also lead to headaches. These headaches often feel like tension headaches. They can be quite painful and persistent.
Treating TMJ can help reduce these headaches. The tension can also spread to other areas. You might experience pain in your neck, shoulders, and back. Chronic muscle tension can lead to muscle spasms. These spasms can be very painful. They can make it difficult to move your jaw.
Over time, this can affect your overall quality of life. You might find it hard to enjoy your favorite foods. Speaking and laughing can become painful tasks. The constant pain and discomfort can also affect your mood and mental health.