Have you ever wondered how age affects your temporomandibular joint (TMJ)? As one of the most important joints in your body, TMJ disorder is an issue our team at Miami Designer Smiles frequently encounters, especially among our older patients.
What is TMJ Disorder?
Before we delve into the relationship between TMJ disorder and aging, let’s cover the basics. Your TMJ is responsible for the movement of your jaw, facilitating eating, speaking, yawning, and various other activities. TMJ disorder, clinically referred to as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD), occurs when these joints experience significant wear and tear or become unbalanced. The result can be a range of symptoms from mild discomfort to severe pain and impaired jaw function.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
How can you determine if you are suffering from a TMJ disorder? Look out for:
- Chronic headaches
- Jaw pain
- Difficulty opening and closing the mouth
- Clicking sound in the jaw
- Earaches
Understanding the Relationship Between TMJ Disorder and Aging
Similar to other parts of your body, your jaw joints undergo changes as you age. Although TMJ disorder is not solely an age-related condition, the risk increases as you get older.
Role of Aging in TMJ Disorder
As you age, the protective disc that provides cushioning to your TMJ can wear down. This disc’s deterioration can lead to painful bone-on-bone contact, causing TMJ disorder. While not all older adults will develop TMJ disorder, it is crucial to be aware of the potential link between aging and this painful condition.
Diagnosing TMJ Disorder
At Miami Designer Smiles, with our team of professional dentists, including Dr. Concepcion Sanchez-Garcia and Dr. Raul Garcia, we perform a comprehensive examination of your oral health. We understand that some head and neck symptoms could be associated with TMJ disorder.
Professional Consultation, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
After conducting a thorough investigation, our team will identify potential issues and discuss the best treatment options with you.
Our services go beyond general dentistry to include specialty areas such as neuromuscular orthodontics. This exciting branch involves perfecting a “bite” that balances straight teeth with the complex relationships among muscles, joints, nerves, and blood vessels.
Preventing TMJ Disorder
Prevention is always preferable to treatment. Simple lifestyle changes can help maintain your TMJ health as you age.
- Avoid excessive jaw movements
- Manage stress
- Maintain a nutritious diet
- Perform jaw exercises
Taking Care of Your TMJ Health at Miami Designer Smiles
No one should live with the discomfort or pain of TMJ disorder. At Miami Designer Smiles, we offer a range of services to help our patients achieve optimal oral health, including TMJ disorder treatments. With our experienced team of dental experts, we offer treatments tailored to each patient’s specific needs.
Contact us today at our Miami, FL location, and let us help you find relief from TMJ disorder. Because with age, comes wisdom, and that wisdom should tell you to take care of your TMJ health.