Long-Term Effects of TMJ: What Happens if You Ignore It

Key Takeaways:

The temporomandibular joint is present on both sides of our face and connects the lower jaw to our skull. A TMJ disorder causes severe pain and discomfort during jaw movement, such as chewing, speaking, yawning, etc. When left untreated, it causes several other health issues, including migraines and permanent hearing loss.

To save yourself from untreated TMJ complications, you need to know how to prevent permanent damage. Read this blog to understand the long-term effects of TMJ disorder and how you can live a quality and healthy life in the future.

What Causes TMJ Disorder?

TMJ disorder can be caused by several factors, such as:

• Teeth grinding (bruxism) or clenching
• Jaw injury or trauma
• Arthritis in the joint
• Structural misalignment of the bite
• Stress-related muscle tension
• Connective tissue disorders

All these can affect the proper functioning of the TMJ muscles, leading to the long-term effects we’ll discuss below.

7 Long-Term Effects of Untreated TMJ Disorder

Leaving a TMJ disorder untreated allows the condition to advance from a minor nuisance into a permanent, painful ailment. Some of the most commonly observed long-term effects of untreated TMJ disorder are given below.

Chronic Jaw Pain and Muscle Deterioration

One of the most common problems that people face is chronic jaw pain and muscle deterioration. The jaw articular disc can slip from its position. Not just this, but it can also wear down or perforate, leading to a bone-on-bone contact condition. This then becomes irreversible joint damage.

On the other hand, when TMJ is not treated, it causes the muscles surrounding the temporomandibular joint to become inflamed and overworked. This leads to other muscle tension as well, like

• Myofascial trigger points (knots of muscle pain)
• Reduced range of motion in the jaw
• Difficulty opening the mouth fully
• Muscle atrophy in severe or long-standing cases

Chronic Headaches and Migraines

According to research conducted by the Association of Migraine Disorders, almost 85% of TMJ disorder sufferers go through chronic headaches and migraines. These two conditions connect to each other due to the trigeminal nerve that runs directly through the temporomandibular area. Due to the facial muscle tension, this nerve becomes irritated and causes pain that goes to the temples, forehead, and behind the eyes.

Ear Problems and Hearing Loss

TMJ disorder long-term damage to the hearing function in severe cases. This all starts with symptoms that are related to the ear. At the start, patients often experience tinnitus and ear fullness, leading to muffled hearing. But when TMJ is not treated, its damage increases, leading to chronic inflammation and muscle tension.

Note: Sometimes these symptoms are misdiagnosed as an ear infection, which further delays the TMJ disorder treatment.

Neck, Shoulder, and Back Pain

Untreated TMJ symptoms do not only include jaw or ear pain, but they are also connected to the cervical spine. TMJ disorder can lead to pain in the shoulder girdle and the postural muscles of the back. This jaw misalignment causes forward head posture, which puts strain on your cervical spine. And this stress causes pain in the neck, shoulder, and back.

Dental Damage and Bite Changes

TMJ and teeth damage over time are very close companions. The clenching and grinding of teeth at night can exert 250 pounds per square inch pressure on your teeth. Due to this, many people face problems like:

• Accelerated enamel erosion
• Chipped, cracked, or fractured teeth
• Tooth sensitivity and nerve exposure
• Shifting of teeth and changes to the bite
• Gum recession and bone loss around teeth
• Failure of dental restorations.

Sleep Disorders and Fatigue

The long-term effects of TMJ disorder and sleep deprivation overlap with each other. TMJ disorder disturbs sleep because of nighttime bruxism, and poor sleep turns into daily fatigue. There are some other sleep-related long-term effects of TMJ, like obstructive sleep apnea, Insomnia, cognitive impairment, and anxiety.

Psychological and Emotional Impact

The chronic pain of the jaw in long-term TMJ often comes with other physical conditions that affect the sufferer psychologically. Untreated TMJ disorder can lead to clinical depression and social withdrawal.

Warning Signs That TMJ Is Getting Worse

TMJ worsens when its early-stage signs are ignored. Here are some symptoms that you should watch out for:

• Jaw pain
• Pain or difficulty while opening your mouth
• Locking of the jaw
• Change in your tooth alignment
• Consistent headache for 15 or more days
• Ear pain or symptoms related to ear issues

How Are Long-Term Effects of TMJ Treated?

TMJ is completely treatable. There are different treatments available depending on the severity.

How to Prevent Long-Term TMJ Damage

TMJ damage can be prevented by treating early symptoms instead of ignoring them and hoping for them to resolve on their own.

Treating Bite Misalignment

When the teeth are misaligned, they put extra stress on the jaw joints. It is always a good idea to treat your bite issues early on. This reduces the risk of untreated TMJ complications.

Avoiding Clenching and Stress

Many people clench their jaws under stress. This can contribute to TMJ disorder and put you under unwanted pain. You can practice relaxation techniques and physiotherapy to overcome this condition.

Avoid Chewing Gum and Nail Biting

Chewing gum excessively and biting your nails throughout the day can worsen TMJ pain. It is best to avoid anything that puts constant pressure on the joint and muscles.

Seek Early Treatment

If you ever feel pain or experience symptoms like jaw pain, stiffness, or clicking, you should seek treatment. Early treatment can prevent the long-term effects of TMJ.

So, What Happens if TMJ is Not Treated?

The long-term effects of TMJ include chronic pain, jaw dysfunction, tooth damage, and, worse, permanent hearing loss. It starts with small symptoms like a stiff jaw, but leads to a situation where you question yourself why is my jaw popping?

It is always recommended to manage early signs and symptoms of TMJ before they worsen. By taking precautionary measures, you not only save yourself from long-term suffering but also live a quality and healthy life.

FAQs

1. Is TMJ disorder permanent?

No, TMJ disorder is not permanent, and it can be treated and taken care of with prevention. But if it is left untreated, it can lead to long-term effects on the jaws and the rest of the body.

2. Can TMJ get worse over time?

Yes, TMJ can get worse over time if it is not treated. When you feel early symptoms like jaw pain, clicking, or popping, you must not ignore these. Early treatment can help you prevent TMJ complications.

3. What is the best treatment for TMJ?

The best treatment for TMJ depends on the severity of your condition. Practices like stress management, jaw exercises, night guards, and correcting bite alignment can help a lot. But in severe cases, proper non-invasive treatments are compulsory.

4. How does TMJ affect your life?

TMJ can affect your life in various ways. It restricts your jaw movement during eating, speaking, yawning, and sleeping. Moreover, it also causes severe jaw pain, headache, migraine, and body aches.

5. Can TMJ nerve damage heal?

Yes, TMJ nerve damage can be healed by improving your lifestyle and avoiding habits like clenching, nail biting, and chewing gum. Moreover, if your case is severe, certain medical treatments like Arthrocentesis, Arthroscopy, and Open Joint Surgery help a lot.