Have you developed a sore jaw or do you hear a clicking sound when you’re chewing? If so, you may have a TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder. Whether you sustained an injury to the face or jaw or subconsciously grind your teeth, it’s important to call your dentist for an appointment sooner rather than later to address it.
TMJ issues might seem merely inconvenient at first, but they tend to worsen progressively. Eventually, it can cause other problems, like changes in your speech patterns. Continue reading to learn more about why this happens and how your dentist can help!
What are TMJ Disorders?
Your temporomandibular joints connect your jawbone to your skull and are located on each side of your face, just in front of your ears. These joints give your mouth its range of motion and is the most-used joint in the human body. Each one has a flexible cartilage disc that cushions your bone, allowing smooth and comfortable movements.
However, if one or both of these joints are injured, overworked, or irritated, they can become stiff and sore. This can damage your oral health, cause face, neck, ear, and jaw pain, and even result in a stiff or locked jaw.
Do TMJ Disorders Affect Speech?
Your teeth and jaw play essential roles in your ability to communicate clearly because you move them in certain ways to create different sounds. If your jaw is sore, you might inadvertently compensate for it by moving it differently to avoid triggering pain. The changes in muscle movements and a restricted range of motion can lead to:
- Articulation challenges. You might struggle to correctly press your tongue against your teeth to produce certain consonants.
- Impaired volume control. Muscle tension and limited jaw mobility can make it harder to talk loudly enough for others to hear you.
- Discomfort speaking. Some patients alter their speech patterns to avoid uncomfortable motions when speaking.
- Slurred words. Weak or uncoordinated jaw or mouth muscles can cause words and sounds to run together without clear enunciation.
How are TMJ Disorders Treated?
Thankfully, you don’t have to simply live with altered speaking patterns for the remainder of your life. Your dentist can work with you to address your TMJ issues to alleviate associated symptoms based on your individual circumstances.
For example, if your jaw is overworked because you grind your teeth at night, they can provide a nightguard to cushion them and give your jaw a break so it can heal. They can also provide orthodontic treatments to correct any bite misalignments contributing to your discomfort or splints to take some of the stress off your jaw. Also, many providers offer TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) therapy for pain relief.
These non-surgical treatment methods can help you overcome the changes in your ability to speak with a TMJ disorder!
About the Practice
At DentaCrafters PLLC, you and your family benefit from two dentists who share decades of combined experience. Dr. Nada and Dr. Duckett work together to offer a full range of services at one convenient location, including TMJ therapies. They take the time to get to know your unique needs and concerns, then utilize state-of-the-art technology to implement personalized treatment plans to meet them. If you’re concerned about a TMJ disorder, you can request an appointment on the website or call (703) 241-5775.