TMJ disorder, sometimes simply called TMD or even TMJ, is a problem that afflicts the jaw joints, which are located just in front of your ears. TMD can cause a range of symptoms, such as pain, difficulty chewing, headaches, and more. Still, if you are the type of person who is reluctant to receive professional medical care, you might wonder if you can simply live with this issue. Will TMJ disorder disappear on its own? How long can you go without treatment? This blog post provides some important information.
Symptoms May Come and Go
Very often, people with TMD find that their symptoms disappear without professional treatment. This is especially likely to happen if you make small adjustments to your daily habits, which can provide relief for your jaw joints and contribute to reduced pain and improved functionality.
Some common home remedies and lifestyle changes that may be helpful include:
- Eating softer foods to reduce the strain on your jaw muscles and joints.
- Applying ice packs or warm compresses to the affected area for temporary relief.
- Using over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain.
- Performing gentle jaw exercises to improve mobility and alleviate muscle tension.
- Practicing techniques to reduce stress, such as meditation or deep breathing, to minimize jaw clenching and teeth grinding.
While these approaches may help alleviate discomfort, it is important to note that they do not address the underlying causes of TMJ disorder. For example, if your TMD is caused by misaligned teeth, stress-induced teeth grinding, or joint inflammation, these root issues are likely to persist despite temporary relief. Over time, your symptoms will probably keep recurring if you do not see a professional for treatment.
Consequences of Delaying TMJ Treatment
Not only can failing to treat TMD lead to ongoing problems, but the situation is actually likely to worsen over time. Here are some of the potential consequences of not properly addressing the situation:
- Frequent headaches: TMJ disorder often causes tension in the muscles surrounding the jaw, which can lead to chronic headaches. These headaches may become more persistent and harder to manage as time goes on. If you are prone to migraines, TMD can be a huge trigger.
- Tooth damage and poor oral health: Teeth grinding and jaw clenching, which commonly accompany TMD, can wear down enamel. This can make your teeth more sensitive, increase the risk of cavities, and even cause fractures or tooth loss over time.
- Difficulty eating: As TMJ symptoms worsen, chewing can become increasingly painful and challenging. This may force you to avoid certain foods, potentially leading to nutritional deficiencies.
- Joint damage: Prolonged strain on the jaw joints can lead to cartilage wear and joint deterioration. In some cases, this damage can become permanent, making treatment options more limited and less effective in the future.
Technically, it is possible to live with TMJ disorder. However, seeking treatment is the best thing to do if you wish to protect your health and quality of life!
Meet the Practice
At Torrington Dental Care, our highly skilled team is pleased to offer a full range of services for our community, including TMJ treatments such as occlusal splints and equilibration. If you deal with bouts of jaw pain and related symptoms, we can evaluate the situation and recommend your next steps. Our goal is to provide long-term relief that protects your oral and overall health. To learn more or to request a consultation, contact our office at 860-259-4073.