TMJ Awareness Month: The Facts You Need to Know Today

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is easily the most important joint in the body. The sliding hinge on either side of the skull allows for speech, eating, and any action that requires the opening and closing of the lower jaw. 

For some folks, one or both sides of the jaw can become inflamed. An often painful condition called TMJ disorder (TMD) can result. To raise awareness of this serious degenerative condition, November has been named TMJ Awareness Month. 

To help raise awareness of this important month, the oral and maxillofacial surgeons at Aspire Surgical offer this TMJ disorder overview. We’ll explore facts about TMJ so you can recognize TMJ symptoms. 

What Is TMJ Disorder?

What is TMJ? If you have ever slept incorrectly, you may have temporarily woken up with a sore jaw. If your jaw is healthy, the discomfort will only be momentary.

People with TMJ disorder live with continual discomfort and pain around their TMJ. To understand TMJ disorder requires an understanding of the joints that connect the lower jaw to the skull.

The TMJs, located at the base of the skull, act like sliding hinges that allow the lower jaw to open and close with ease. The network of muscles, connective tissue, and bones that support the jawbones is delicate. 

When the joints do not function properly (often due to poor alignment of the jawbones) a condition known as TMD can result. The good news is this jaw disorder can be effectively treated when you work with a qualified crew of oral maxillofacial surgeons. TMJ treatment does not always require surgery. 

The Causes of TMJ Disorders

TMD is more common than many people think. In fact, around 12% of adults in the United States deal with this condition. TMD is more common in women than men. 

Injury  

There is no one cause of TMD. The condition could result from an injury to the head or face. Serious trauma may require immediate surgery.

Malocclusion

Another common cause of TMJ disorder is poor tooth alignment (malocclusion) that doesn’t allow the jaws to properly align. This is one reason why orthodontic treatment is often used to treat mild cases of TMD.

Arthritis and Age

Arthritis is another possible cause of TMD. The TMJs are susceptible to wear and tear just like other joints.

Over time, the cartilage in the joints can wear thin and expose the underlying bone. Age is a risk factor for TMD, but the condition can arise early in adulthood. Some of our patients who are in their 20s and 30s experience TMD-related jaw pain. 

Bruxism

If you suffer from nighttime teeth grinding, otherwise known as bruxism, then you may be at high risk of developing TMJ disorder. The involuntary jawbone clenching stresses the TMJs. In other cases, TMD can actually be the cause of bruxism. 

TMJ Symptoms

The most common symptom of TMD is pain in or around the jaw. Symptoms are often more pronounced in the morning but not always. 

Pain and Discomfort

Due to the position of the jaws, discomfort or pain may radiate to the face or ears. Some people notice TMD discomfort when they are eating.

Impeded Jawbone Range of Motion

Even if TMD doesn’t cause significant pain, people with the condition may notice that their jaw doesn’t open easily. There may be a clicking or popping sensation when their jaw fully opens. The inability to fully open the jaw may lead to the sensation that the range of motion of the jaw is restricted. 

Will Symptoms Subside on Their Own?

The symptoms of TMD may subside on their own or they may require orthodontic treatment. For serious cases of TMD, one common treatment is surgery. If you are preparing for surgery at one of our offices, you can trust that your comfort will be our top priority.  

When to See a Doctor

If you are wondering when to see a doctor for TMJ, the best course of action is to be safe and schedule an exam. TMD can be more easily treated in the early stages of the disorder. 

TMJ Treatment Options

If you are seeking relief from TMD, the first step is to undergo a comprehensive examination at one of our offices. Depending on your symptoms and other factors, one of our doctors will customize a treatment plan. 

Relaxation Exercises

Mild symptoms can be treated using facial or jaw relaxation exercises. Some patients can benefit from lifestyle changes. If stress is the underlying cause of bruxism, meditation and exercise could address symptoms.

Treatment for Nighttime Teeth Grinding

Bruxism can also be effectively treated using a nightguard that is worn at night. The custom medical mouthguards help the jaw muscles relax at night. 

Dental Work or Orthodontics

Dental treatments are another treatment option. Poorly fitting prosthetics could cause jaw pain. Orthodontic treatments can effectively address TMD for many patients. 

Jaw Surgery

The last resort for treating TMD is jaw surgery. Maxillofacial surgery can bring drastic relief for people who suffer from TMD. Following surgery, patients will begin noticing that eating, speaking, and even sleeping become easier.

Celebrate TMJ Awareness Month the Right Way

TMJ Awareness Month may come once a year, but patients who suffer from TMD deal with the symptoms year-round. If you wake up with mild to moderate jaw pain, you may have the early stages of this degenerative condition. Unfortunately for most people, the symptoms will become progressively worse.

The oral and maxillofacial surgeons at Aspire Surgical offer a wide range of oral and maxillofacial treatments that directly address TMD. Beyond restoring your quality of life, we will work to deliver beautiful aesthetics to your face and smile.

Tips for Good Oral Health

Good oral health is vital not only for the health of your teeth but your overall physical health. By keeping good oral habits you can stave off many dental-related issues, and in the event, you develop a problem that requires you to have oral surgery, you are likely to have a better outcome. Not sure how to get started with a proper oral health regimen? Check out the few tips below. 

Follow a Proper Brushing Routine

One of the easiest ways to get a healthy smile is coming up with a regular brushing routine that will properly eliminate debris from your teeth, reducing your risk for decay. You always want to make sure that you brush twice a day, avoiding brushing directly after eating, especially if you have consumed highly acidic food. Make sure you focus on the area where your teeth meet your gums, helping to dislodge debris that has become caught in between teeth. Make sure that you brush for at least two minutes and finish off by brushing your tongue to remove bacteria. 

Another important part of a good brushing routine is having the proper equipment and using it properly. Always make sure to use a toothpaste with fluoride and a soft-bristle brush that you can fit easily in your mouth. When brushing, put your toothbrush at a slight angle using both circular and back and forth motions. You will always want to make sure to replace your toothbrush often, opting for a new one every three months, or when the bristles are no longer regular.

Don’t Forget to Floss

Even when you brush well, you will not be able to get all of the debris out from between your teeth and your gum line, which makes regular flossing critical to maintaining proper gum health and reducing the risk of decay. You should try to floss at least once a day and then maintain it as needed by using a dental pick or pre-threaded flosser. Always be gentle so you don’t cause damage to your gums. Once you have slid the floss between your teeth, use a c shape to curve around each tooth and gently remove the debris. Don’t skimp on the floss and be sure to use a fresh spot as you move to each tooth. 

Stay On Top of Dental Appointments

Part of maintaining good oral health is staying on top of preventative appointments and addressing dental issues when they arise. Regular cleanings are not only important to remove debris and prevent decay, but also for the oral cancer screening performed. You should also contact your dentist immediately for an appointment if you have any issues, such as loose or cracked teeth, bleeding, redness or swelling of your gums, unusual sensitivity, or pain. These all could be signs that you are in need of a dental procedure and the sooner the issue is addressed, the more likely you will have a better outcome. 

Maintaining good oral health does not require a lot. A few good habits, and you’ll be in good shape. By following the tips above and staying on top of your oral health you will enjoy a healthy smile as well as prepare yourself for better outcomes in the event you need a more extensive procedure or oral surgery. 

Better Smiles Begin with Sleep Apnea Treatments

One of the biggest oral health risks that individuals may suffer from and be completely unaware of is sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a disorder in which individuals suffer from interrupted breathing patterns while they sleep. The two most common forms of sleep apnea are obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea.

Obstructive sleep apnea arises when individuals have a blocked airway or are failing to receive enough air through their air passages. Central sleep apnea, however, is a result of brain signals not being adequately received. When your brain sends signals to your breathing muscles instructing them to breathe, there may be issues in which these signals are not reaching their target destination. This type of sleep apnea typically arises due to issues such as brain tumors, infections, stroke, or heart failure.

Treating sleep apnea is essential if you are at a higher risk for the symptom. Typically, men over the age of 40 are at the highest risk for sleep apnea. Furthermore, if you are overweight or have a genetic predisposition for any oral health conditions, you will also be likely to suffer from sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is commonly linked to a family history of the disorder, a nasal obstruction such as a deviated septum, allergies and sinus problems, large tonsils, a large tongue, or a small jaw in relation to your face.

For help treating sleep apnea, Drs. Richard Shamo and AJ Stosich at [practice_name] are here to assist you in every way we can. If you would like to set up an appointment to visit our oral and maxillofacial surgeons in [city], [state], please call us at [phone] to speak with our team.

 

Bone Grafting Treatments to End Your Year with a Smile

As the holiday feasts and festivities begin to show themselves this season, it is important to make sure your oral health is in great care, and you have a complete smile to enjoy all of the delectable delights that the snow-filled season has to offer. If you have any lost or missing teeth, it is important to make sure they are replaced with effective prosthetics that are durable and strong. If you are in need of a dental implant, but your jaw is not strong enough to hold them, and oral surgery using a bone graft will be necessary.

Bone grafting is extremely popular for dental implants because it allows your jaw to be strengthened to the point it can adequately hold a dental implant in place. According to the American Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, if your jawbone is too soft, too fragile, or too thin, a bone graft is recommended prior to dental implant placements.

A bone graft works by taking part of a bone from one section of your body and grafting it onto your jawbone. Artificial prosthetic bone grafting materials can also be used. Not only will bone grafts strengthen your jaw bone, but they will also improve your oral health. Although a bone graft often takes several months before it can strengthen to the point your jaw is strong enough to hold an implant, it is well worth it to give you the satisfaction and joy you require heading into next year.

If you are in need of a bone grafting treatment or would like to come in for an examination to determine your candidacy for the service. Contact Aspire Surgical at our office in Salt Lake. With the help of our docotors and our team, a bone grafting treatment can be used to help progress your mouth towards a full smile. Have a ‘spooktacular’ Halloween and a happy holiday season!