How TMJ Disorder Affects Your Bite Function

Every time you open and close your bite, there are several different aspects of your oral health at work. Your jaw muscles and nerves control the movement, your jaw joints (TMJs) allow it to move, and your teeth distribute the pressure from your bite’s movement. When one of these components can’t carry their own weight, all of the others can have a tough time trying to take up the slack. That’s especially true for your TMJs. When TMJ disorder strikes, dysfunction can make it difficult your jaw to move at all, and over time, the stress can lead to a host of other dental health issues, as well.

What TMJ Disorder Means

TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder can be one of a large number of different specific conditions that involve the health, integrity, strength, and alignment of both of your TMJs. This can include damage resulting from uneven bite pressure, inflammation resulting from damage or undue stress, arthritis, and much more. What all TMJ disorders have in common is that they affect your jaw’s joints to move properly and at the same time, and if left untreated, the pain and discomfort will grow increasingly worse.

The Most Common Symptoms

When TMJ disorder affects your bite, one of the most common symptoms is a decreased ability to bite and chew properly. This can manifest in several ways, and if you exhibit any of them, then you should schedule a visit with your dentist as soon as possible:

• Popping and/or clicking in your TMJs
• Sore jaw and facial muscles
• Difficulty biting and chewing
• Uncontrollable teeth-grinding
• And more

Find the Best Treatment for Your TMJ Disorder

If you suffer from TMJ disorder, then restore your bite’s function with customized TMJ disorder treatment. To learn more, schedule a consultation with your dentist by calling Dr. Newman’s office in Tucson, AZ, today at 520-296-5439. We’re conveniently located inside the Grant Road Professional Plaza, and proudly welcome the residents of all surrounding communities.