Have you ever experienced discomfort or pain in your TMJ in Plantation while chewing or speaking? Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is a common condition that affects the joints and muscles in the jaw. Moreover, TMD causes various symptoms, from mild discomfort to severe pain accompanied by limited jaw mobility. Whether you’ve been diagnosed with TMD or are curious about this health concern, we’ve pulled together the risk factors you should know about.
TMD Risk Factors You Should Know
Genetics
A person’s family history plays a role in developing TMD. Genetics may predispose an individual to high levels of stress and inflammation, which can contribute to TMD.
Gender
Research shows that women are up to four times more likely to develop TMD than men due to several reasons, including hormonal and anatomical differences. A sex hormone called estrogen can impact the muscles and joints in the jaw. Since women have higher estrogen levels than men, they’re more susceptible to TMD than men. In addition, women have smaller jawbones than men. Consequently, this anatomical factor can put more stress on their temporomandibular joints (TMJs), increasing their risk for TMD.
Age
TMD incidence increases with age because the joints in the body experience wear and tear or degeneration as people get older. In addition, older adults are more likely to have underlying health conditions that can contribute to TMD development.
Chronic Pain
Chronic pain persists for over three to six months, leading to muscle tension and spasms. Chronic pain in the jaw, face, or neck increases the pressure on the TMJs by causing the jaw to tense up. Over time, this pressure can lead to TMD as it causes considerable damage to the joints and surrounding tissues.
Do You Have Issues with Your TMJ in Plantation?
The oral and maxillofacial surgeons at Oral Facial Reconstruction provide the expert care our patients need. If you’re dealing with TMJ issues, contact us today to make an appointment.
