TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) is a jaw joint, one on each side, acting as a hinge connecting the jaw to the skull. This disorder causes pain at the joints and to the jaw muscles. There is no one particular cause for this condition, and it can and does change from person to person and as such its treatment also varies.
What if it is left untreated?
Left untreated, TMJ disorder can worsen, leading to excruciating levels of pain requiring immediate medical attention, possibly even surgery.
Untreated it can lead to other medical conditions. Self-medication to relieve the pain is a bad habit commonly found among TMJ patients and unfortunately if often leads to addiction.
Constant and severe pain and the involuntary grinding of teeth also leads to sleep disturbance.
It can also adversely affect a person’s personal relationships, quality of life and also work performance, leading to depression.
Some patients consume only soft or liquid food or even not eat at all, leading to malnutrition and other eating disorders.
The constant clenching and grinding of teeth can lead to the worn teeth enamel and fractured teeth. TMJ patients also tend to favour one side of the jaw to the other leading to uneven muscle growth and swelling of the face. It also gives their face an uneven look.
As the TMJ is close to the ears, and it’s disorder can lead to symptoms like ringing or itching sensation of the ears. Body balance and vision can also be compromised.
This disorder can also cause serious jaw problems like Lock Jaw, where the jaw becomes permanently stuck, leading to a hospital visit.
All this is totally unnecessary as the disorder can be quickly and efficiently treated.
Reviewed By :Dr Rajesh Raveendranathan
Visit Us:tmjindia.com
Mail Us:icpriblr@gmail.com
Book an appointment:tmjindia.com/book-appointment
