What Age Should You Start to Concern Yourself With TMJ?

As we age, our bodies generally tend to present new medical and dental issues, so it is natural to wonder when we should be on the look-out for various symptoms and maladies. However, not all medical and dental problems are age-related, and in fact, many are simply due to genetics or other factors unrelated to the number of trips we’ve made around the sun. TMJ, or temporomandibular joint disorder, which affects are jaw and can cause pain or dysfunction in the way the muscles of mastication move your jaw, is a condition that can occur at any age.

Know What to Know

Since TMJ disorder can develop at any age, it is important to know what the symptoms are now – if symptomatic, you will want to contact us for help as soon as possible. The most common symptom is pain in the jaw. Additionally, you may feel like you can’t move your jaw normally, or that the mandible is restricted from moving around. Sometimes your jaw might even lock up entirely TMJ disorder is commonly a result of strained muscles, so the inability to move your jaw or mandible can be a common symptom. Another possible symptom is the sound of popping or clicking coming from what seems like inside your head when you move your jaw around.

Rick Factors Can Make the Difference

TMJ has been discovered in patients as young as 8 years old. Nevertheless, certain behaviors and medical conditions can increase the risk of developing TMJ later in life. For example, avoid grinding or clenching your teeth, as this can strain your muscles, which can lead to TMJ. Arthritis, too, can be a precursor to developing TMJ, especially rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. While these conditions can occur at any age, they are certainly more common in an elderly population.

While TMJ can occur at any age, certain risk factors make developing the disorder at an advanced age more likely. If you are concerned you may be developing TMJ, call us as soon as possible – we can help treat it.