What Are the Consequences of Untreated TMD?

You know you need to see your dentist on Glen Ave in IL, but you keep putting it off and delaying the treatment because the symptoms are tolerable. Unfortunately, ignoring dental work comes with consequences.  

People do not realize that complications can set in at any time. The symptoms may be manageable for now, but over time, they will worsen.  

To save you from pain and other complications, we suggest you overcome your fears and whatever barriers are stopping you from receiving the treatment you need. One example of a condition that requires prompt treatment is TMD.  

What Will Happen If You Don’t Treat TMD?

What Is TMJ?

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint. These are the joints situated on both sides of your face connecting your jawbone to your skull. Your temporomandibular joints help you speak and chew. Meanwhile, TMD is an acronym for temporomandibular joint disorder. It is a condition that causes TMJ dysfunction.  

TMD occurs when the ligaments and muscles surrounding your jaw joints become irritated or inflamed. It can be chronic or acute; regardless, it will result in pain ranging from mild to severe.  

What Are the Consequences of Untreated TMD?

• Chronic Jaw Pain – The first sign of TMJ is jaw pain. Initially, the pain is mild, but if the condition goes untreated, it will eventually result in severe jaw pain. And the worst part is it becomes a constant aching pain in your jaw joints, making chewing and speaking difficult.  

• Migraines and Headaches – When you have TMD, waking up with migraines is normal. Some people aren’t aware that TMD causes headaches. The reason for these headaches is that your jaw joints are anchored to your skull. In addition, the muscles surrounding the joints traverse your skull and extend to your neck and back.  

When these joints are inflamed, they also spread to the muscles leading to migraines and headaches. The damage will worsen gradually to the point where frequent mild headaches become constant and severe.

·      Airway Sleep Disorders

An abnormally uneven bite can cause TMJ disorders. It can also affect your sleep. When your jaw joints are misaligned, they can cause airway obstruction leading to a condition known as obstructive sleep apnea.  

Individuals diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea will not receive sufficient oxygen in their sleep. Consequently, they’ll find themselves repeatedly waking at night, thereby compromising their sleep quality. In the morning, they’ll wake up experiencing brain fog and fatigue.  

·      Reduced Quality of Life

The pain associated with TMJ can compromise your quality of life. The frequency and severity of the headaches can affect your performance in school and at work. You could cancel appointments, meetings, and other social obligations because you’ll be in bed tending to your headache.  

·      Malnutrition  

Since your jaw joints aid in chewing, pain in these areas may affect your appetite. People with untreated TMJ prefer to limit their diet to liquid or soft food. These dietary restrictions can impact your health since the nutrients you receive are limited. Over time, this can lead to malnourishment.  

See a Dentist on Glen Ave in IL and Get Your TMD Treated

You don’t have to suffer the consequences of TMD. Get yourself treated today! At Smalltown Dental, we provide treatment methods for TMD, including physical therapy and medications. We will discuss your treatment options and refer you to a specialist when needed. Contact us today for a consultation.