TMJ disorder is a complex condition, one that can be difficult for the average patient to know everything about. This one condition can affect people in a variety of ways and has many causes, which means that even two people who both suffer from the condition may have very different ideas about what it actually entails.
Consequently, there are a variety of myths surrounding TMJ that confound people’s full understanding of the condition. If you’re interested in learning more, here’s information about some of the most common myths surrounding the condition.
Myth 1: TMJ Disorder is Rare
Among the various things you’d see a dentist for, TMJ disorder is one of the lesser-known. People take that to mean that the condition is fairly rare, but that’s not actually the case. It’s estimated that around 1 in 10 people worldwide suffer from TMJD, with around 35 million cases in the U.S. alone.
You should never assume that the condition is too rare for you to be thinking about—if you have signs of TMJD, you should talk to a dentist about whether you could have the condition.
Myth 2: TMJD Can Only Happen Because of Trauma
As you might know, TMJD is often a consequence of injury or trauma to the jaw. People who are victims of car accidents, for example, may suffer from jaw problems as a result.
However, this is far from the only way that this can happen. In some cases, a crooked bite or grinding teeth can put a lot of pressure on the jaw, eventually leading to its misalignment.
Myth 3: TMJD is Just Jaw Pain
One of the reasons why people underestimate the prevalence of TMJD is because they don’t fully understand what could be associated with the condition. While jaw pain is a common symptom, the proximity of the temporomandibular joints to the head and ears can lead to a variety of other problems.
Headaches, jaw clicking, teeth grinding, nausea, and even vertigo can all be symptomatic of TMJD. If you find that you’re dealing with many of these problems, this could be the culprit.
About the Author
Dr. Jake Weissich has always loved how dentistry lets him work with his hands to help people look and feel their best. He prides himself on being able to help his patients with their problems no matter their complexity, and to help them feel comfortable every step of the way. Dr. Weissich received his degree from the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, and in the interest of continuing education he is a member of the American Dental Association and the California Dental Association.
If you have any questions about TMJ disorder, he can be reached at his website or by phone at (559) 431-9104.