Your jawbone is connected to your skull via two joints known as your temporomandibular joints (TMJ) that provide your mouth with a full range of motion. When these sliding discs are healthy, you can open and close your jaw, shift it side to side, or thrust your chin forward and back.
But if you’re a woman and your jaw feels stiff or sore, you might have developed a disorder affecting these joints. You might even wonder whether your gender increases the risk of this condition. Continue reading to learn more about it!
What is TMD?
TMD, or temporomandibular joint disorder, occurs when your TMJ become overworked, which can trigger painful inflammation that limits your mouth’s range of motion. This can have several potential causes, such as bruxism, which refers to a subconscious teeth-grinding habit that usually occurs at night.
However, it can also be caused by dental or bite misalignments, a physical injury, or periods of higher than usual stress. The longer it remains untreated, the more likely you are to experience consequences, such as persistent or severe discomfort, structural joint damage, worn-down enamel, headaches, clicking or popping in the jaw when you open your mouth, and tinnitus, or ringing in the ears.
Are Women More Likely To Develop TMD?
Studies have revealed that TMD is diagnosed more frequently in women than in men, specifically those who are of childbearing age, and that pain is one of the most common symptoms. There may be several reasons that females are more likely than males to develop this condition, such as:
- Pregnancy. Hormone fluctuations during pregnancy can cause vitamin deficiencies that affect joint and bone health.
- Bruxism. Resources have reported that women are more likely than men to grind their teeth both at night and during the day, rather than one or the other, which exacerbates TMD issues.
- Fibromyalgia. This medical condition can cause long-term fatigue as well as bone and muscle aches, and an estimated 75% to 90% of those diagnosed are women.
How Does My Dentist Treat TMD?
It’s important to seek treatment for TMD sooner rather than later, regardless of your gender or age, to prevent worsening oral and overall health concerns. Subconscious teeth grinding is a leading contributing factor, and many dentists offer solutions that can address your habit to help protect your smile.
For instance, they can provide a custom-fitted nightguard to shield your teeth from the added pressure of constantly clenching down. This also helps keep your jaw in its proper position, alleviating tension on your TMJ and giving your mouth a much-needed break to rest and recover.
If you’re unsure whether your sore or stiff jaw requires treatment, you can learn more by scheduling an appointment with your dentist!
About the Practice
Patients at Fort Dental benefit from a team of providers who are passionate about helping them build the happiest, healthiest versions of their smiles. They collaborate to offer a complete menu of services, including nightguards for bruxism, conveniently under one roof. They take the time to get to know your unique concerns and condition, then deliver customized treatment plans tailored to meet your needs. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (817) 292-5957.