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Do Women Suffer From TMJ More Than Men?

Jaw Pain: Men vs Women

By Dr. Eric TaiblPublished 2 years ago 3 min read
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Temporomandibular joint disorder, commonly referred to as TMJ disorder, is a condition that roughly 35 million U.S. adults suffer with. While it can affect both males and females alike, the latter are more likely to develop it. In fact, some studies have found that the diagnosis is 5x more frequent in women than men. Why, you may ask? Currently, there are a few theories out there. To learn what they are, read on!

First, What Is TMJ Disorder?

You may have heard of TMJ disorder, but what exactly is it? In short, it’s a condition that is categorized by the inflammation or misalignment of the socket that connects your lower jaw to your skull. This may seem minor, but it can actually result in serious consequences, like a clicking/popping jaw, chronic migraines, ringing in the ears, persistent teeth grinding, and unpleasant jaw pain. Some of the most common causes include trauma, an uneven bite, and prolonged wear and tear.

So, Why Does TMJ Disorder Occur More in Women?

Thanks to extensive research, we have an idea of why TMJ disorder may occur more in women. Here are a few theories:

• Stress – In short, a female’s hormones can easily be impacted by stress, decreasing their ability to rest peacefully. In turn, the body cannot produce the essential vitamins it needs. Unfortunately, this cycle can continue to exacerbate the issue at hand while resulting in further complications, like chronic teeth grinding/clenching.

• Anatomy – When studied, researchers found that the female jaw is more vulnerable to injury, inflammation, and exhaustion. If that wasn’t enough, the decreased flow of blood and oxygen to the jawbone can cause lactic acid buildup, which can result in cramping, spasms, and pain.

• Pregnancy – While expecting, mothers can experience a deficiency in essential vitamins, like magnesium. Combine that with the immense stress and fatigue that can accompany pregnancy, and it’s not hard to see why expecting moms are more likely to experience chronic headaches, teeth grinding, and other symptoms of TMJ disorder.

How Is TMJ Disorder Treated?

As one of only 25 dentists in Wisconsin who is a “Qualified Dentist” with the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, I have extensive experience helping patients find relief from TMJ-related symptoms. Furthermore, I have completed countless hours of continuing education courses on the diagnosis and treatment of TMJ and Sleep Breathing Disorders, studying under some of the world’s top experts on the subject. As a result, the first step toward a pain-free life is scheduling an appointment with my team. Once we’ve determined the proper diagnosis, we can address the root of the problem with a long-term, successful treatment. We will utilize the latest technology and state-of-the-art equipment, including CBCT Imaging and custom oral appliances, to restore your quality of life in the short and long term.

Why It’s Important to Treat TMJ Disorder

At first, occasional jaw pain or a morning headache every now and again may not seem like a big deal. If left alone, however, these symptoms will progress, not in a good way. With time, the inflammation will worsen, making chewing, speaking, and even smiling an uncomfortable chore. In short, TMJ disorder can quickly take a serious toll on your overall quality of life if left untreated. That’s why it’s so important to visit a skilled dentist the moment any unusual symptoms, like jaw pain or the inability to open your mouth, begin to surface. Whether you're a man or woman, the sooner you schedule an appointment and get professional help, the sooner you can get an accurate diagnosis that results in the pain-relieving treatment you deserve!

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