Women are far more likely to get temporomandibular disorders, or TMJ, than men are. No one knows why for sure, but the fact that it’s more common in women is by now well-established. TMJ is one of the specialties at Poss Sleep Apnea & TMJ Solutions in Brentwood TN.
We may not know why it’s more common in women than men, but there are theories. It may be:
- Hormonal
- Anatomic
- Behavioral
- Genetic
TMJ disorder is a painful condition, and treating it can be tricky.
Symptoms
The temporomandibular joint is the joint that connects the jaw to the skull. It’s a complex joint that allows for considerable movement, which may be why it is so susceptible to problems.
TMJ disorders involve not just the jaw joint, but may also affect the surrounding facial muscles. These muscles, of course, control jaw movement, such as chewing and talking.
Symptoms of TMJ disorder include:
- Clicking or popping sounds in the jaw
- Jaws that can lock or get stuck in open or closed position
- Difficulty chewing
- Swelling or tenderness in the face
These may be the result of trauma, teeth grinding or jaw clenching, disclocation of soft tissue between the ball and socket, or arthritis.
Unfortunately, some people have suffered with TMJ pain for years. The most common patients are women in their childbearing years.
The good news is that TMJ is a treatable condition. The first step toward effective treatment is an accurate diagnosis. At Poss Sleep Apnea & TMJ Solutions in Brentwood TN, our advanced technology gives the most accurate diagnosis possible. From there we customize a treatment plan with short and long-term goals. Please call us to schedule an appointment.
