Do I Have a TMJ Disorder? Here Are Common Signs and Symptoms
In my career, I’ve seen a huge number of people with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders go undiagnosed for years. If you’re curious whether you're in the same shoes, we hope you’ll find a review of common symptoms of TMJ disorder in this blog post helpful. The only way to be screened properly, though, is to schedule a consultation at our Westmount, QC, office. Until then, let’s take a closer look at signs you might benefit from TMJ disorder treatment.
Teeth Clenching & Grinding
Many of us clench or grind our teeth in stressful times. Sometimes these issues are alleviated naturally once your stress lessens but sometimes it can become chronic and severe.
You might be aware you clench and grind your teeth or not. Some signs include:
- Tight jaw and facial muscles
- Difficulting opening your mouth fully
- Discomfort eating certain types of foods
- Sensitivity to very hot and cold temperatures
In some cases, your partner might report that you grind your teeth during sleep. This can cause the added stress of making sound sleep difficult for them.
Headaches & Other Types of Pain
If you suffer from TMJ disorder, you might feel localized pain around the jaw joints or in other parts of the face like your cheeks or chin. You might notice tingling or other sensations as far away as your fingertips. And in many cases, we hear of patients experiencing headaches at our Westmount office. TMJ disorder can produce severe and debilitating migraine headaches as well.
Worn or Broken Teeth
Dental exams are a great opportunity for us to not only discuss your concerns and symptoms but also look for the physical effects of TMJ disorder. We might observe:
- Worn enamel
- Shortened teeth
- Fractured or chipped teeth
- Hairline cracks extending to the gumline
Fortunately, we have the tools to repair this damage. In many cases, corrective procedures to strengthen and build the teeth back up can pave the way for a more comfortable, healthier bite and jaw joints.
Other Symptoms
TMJ disorder can produce an extraordinary range of symptoms that vary from patient to patient. That’s why it’s so important to work with skilled professionals who will not dismiss these signs for something else. During your initial consultation, we may ask whether you’ve experienced:
- Popping sounds as you open and close your mouth or chew
- Earaches, a feeling of stuffiness in your ears, or ringing in your ears
- Dizziness or a feeling of vertigo
Risk Factors & Diagnosing TMJ Disorder
If you’re suspicious you have TMJ disorder but are not convinced it’s time to schedule an appointment, it can be helpful to look at the risk factors. You’re more likely to develop the condition if you:
- Are female
- Have a family history of TMJ disorder
- Are under a large amount of stress
- Have arthritis
- Have suffered trauma to the face or jaw
We use advanced tools like the K7 Evaluation System and i-CAT 3-D Imaging System to diagnose TMJ disorder. We will use these systems in addition to discussing your concerns with you to pinpoint the root cause of your symptoms.
Schedule a TMJ Disorder Consultation
Stop living with symptoms that detract from your quality of life. Take the first step toward better oral and overall health by messaging our office today. We look forward to hearing from you.