What Do Neck Pain, Sensitive Teeth, and Dizziness Have in Common?

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One of the most fascinating details of dentistry is how your dental health can touch many aspects of your life. For instance, did you know that gum disease can have negative consequences for pregnancy, or that students’ grades have been linked to their oral health? Our Sheridan dentist, Dr. Coon, will explain how one oral health condition can have far-reaching consequences on your entire wellbeing.

What is TMJ disorder?

Also called TMD, TMJ disorder is a health condition involving pain with your temporomandibular joints. Your TMJs support your jaw with hinge joints that allow you to open your mouth, chew, or speak. When these hinge joints are stressed or overexerted, they can cause dental health and overall health issues.

What causes TMJ disorder?

While there are many contributing factors to TMJ disorder, the most common is misaligned bite. When your teeth do not match up correctly, your jaw hinge joints will strain to hold them in place. This strain translates to jaw muscle exhaustion and TMJ disorder. Some dentists believe other causes of TMJ disorder include cranio-facial structure, stress, teeth grinding, and neuromuscular signals.

What are the symptoms of TMJ disorder?

Often, TMJ disorder symptoms send mixed signals since the effects of TMD have such far-reaching consequences. While these symptoms may seem unrelated, TMJ disorder can affect many parts of your upper body because of the location of the temporomandibular joints. These joints not only affect the movement of your mouth and teeth, but also the top of your head. In addition, the TMJs are closely acquainted with a plethora of nerves in your face which correspond to different aches and pains. For instance, some overall health signs of TMJ disorder include:

  • Chronic headaches
  • Morning earaches
  • Shoulder, back, or neck pain
  • Dizziness
  • Jaw popping sounds

TMJ disorder can also have negative consequences for your dental health including:

  • Tooth sensitivity
  • Teeth grinding
  • Difficulty opening your mouth
  • Increased cavities

TMJ Disorder Relief

To learn about TMJ disorder treatment, schedule a consultation at Grinnell Street Dental by contacting our Sheridan dentist office at (307) 672-7567. We welcome patients from Sheridan, WY and the surrounding communities.