Are these two related at all? They are in some ways!

The biggest correlation between the two that comes to mind is TMJ ruining teeth or the alignment of teeth, therefore creating unsightly gaps, crookedness, chips, scratches, wearing, or even tooth loss. Cosmetic dentistry is to the rescue; but if these issues were caused by TMJ, they will continue as they have been and cosmetic repairs, such as implants or veneers, will be at risk for damage. TMJ may take a long time to treat, and it might be more practical to wait to “pretty up” until the root problems are solved.

However, if you have or think you have TMJ, always, always, always consult your dentist or a TMJ specialist before doing ANYTHING. It will save you great amounts of time, money, and hassle. Who knows? Maybe your case isn’t terribly severe and you can get that crooked tooth fixed faster than you anticipated! Yet if cosmetics are on hold because of undergoing surgery, the rewards of a beautiful, functionable smile are wonderful, even if you must wait a bit for the healing process to run its course.

Dr. Sperbeck, West Los Angeles

How does TMJ relate to periodontal disease (gum disease)? TMJ actually never quite causes gum disease, but worsens an existing case.

A prime example would be one who bruxes, or grinds, his teeth because of TMJ, but doesn’t maintain good oral hygiene. If even an “insignificant” bit of gum disease develops, the teeth-grinding, and possibly other results of TMJ — such as not being able to open the mouth all the way or swollen joints and sensitive spots in the mouth — will only increase the speed at which the disease develops and turns into something serious.

You really have no excuse if you’re just plain lazy about brushing and flossing your pearly whites; but if something like severe jaw and neck pain is preventing you from brushing and flossing regularly or correctly, then you must see a TMJ specialist immediately. Gum disease is common, and therefore doesn’t sound very serious, but it is.

TMJ is difficult enough to treat on its own; that AND gum disease would be extremely painful!

Dr. Sperbeck, West Los Angeles

TMJ disorders are regularly found in adults only, as they are the age group whose facial muscles, structure, and bones are matured. Many of these adults, though, probably were showing early signs as children (i.e. grinding teeth in their sleep or ear pain with no infections), but had these symptoms either ignored or dismissed as “normal” by their parents or pediatricians.

Children generally aren’t specifically diagnosed with TMJ when they are young; it’s the “baby symptoms” that show up around this time and will later provide an environment that causes TMJ to develop and thrive.

It’s important to pay attention to your child’s complaints about physical discomforts. Sure, it may be nothing sometimes (kids DO say lots of things….often too many things!). But if you notice something strange with, for example, the way they chew, tired mouth muscles, inability to open their mouths all the way, or random ear pangs, you should take them in for an orthodontic examination. This is THE best way to fix and prevent problems that could lead to TMJ disorders in their adult future.

Dr. Sperbeck, West Los Angeles

It is often a bit discouraging to hear of people’s complaints about neck pain or headaches “with no known cause.” I’ve seen many forums, groups, and online of people who are miserable and not even their doctors can or will diagnose TMJ or suggest that they find a TMJ specialist. TMJ is very common, and it seems there aren’t enough specialists to go around, as these people often are forced to travel to another city or even out-of-state to fix their excruciatingly painful neck-ache or headache flair-ups.

Are you having trouble figuring out why your neck, temples, jaws, or your entire head hurts so much sometimes? It very well could be TMJ. Act now to find a specialist in your area!

Dr. Sperbeck, West Los Angeles

All that to say, if you have lately been wondering about unexplained neck pain, headaches, jaw pain, jaws locking up, painful chewing, grinding teeth, or crazy popping/clicking sounds, you probably have TMJ. It is very important to find a TMJ specialist (not all dentists are) and begin treatment, as TMJ will become much more difficult to deal with and will require more complicated surgeries if not handled correctly in the beginning.

Dr. Sperbeck, West Los Angeles