Symptoms of TMJ Seniors Should Know

Seniors have an increased risk of developing TMJ or Temporomandibualar Joint Disorder. TMJ is a painful condition that can cause significant pain in the jaw, broken teeth from grinding them, misalignment of teeth, and facial pain. Seniors with TMJ may also have problems chewing due to the pain and tension in their jaw. According to studies, as many as 45-70% of seniors could develop TMJ and not even know it. TMJ pain can often be mistaken for sinus pain or toothaches.

Seniors with in-home care have a better chance of catching the symptoms of TMJ, because when the in-home care provider can keep track of any symptoms mentioned by your senior parent, like having a sore jaw or a toothache. Seniors should be aware of these symptoms of TMJ and see a dentist if they are experiencing them:

Grinding Of Teeth

Seniors may not even realize they are grinding their teeth. But stress, sleeping in awkward positions, even some medications, can make seniors grind their teeth. Over time, as seniors grind their teeth, they can cause small fractures in their teeth, which can weaken the teeth, and cause seniors to risk losing the remaining natural teeth they have. Grinding of teeth is one of the most common symptoms of TMJ, so if your senior loved one grinds their teeth, they should see a dentist.

Uneven Bite Pattern

If your senior loved one has trouble chewing or an uneven bite, they could have TMJ. When the jaw is misaligned, it can cause both pain and an uneven bite. If the bite isn’t corrected, seniors could end up with serious dental problems and the risk of losing teeth or cracking teeth.

Pain In The Jaw

Pain in the jaw caused by TMJ is usually dull aching pain, not sharp or stabbing pain, although it can be both types of pain. But soreness, achiness, or pain in the jaw, which is dull and persistent, and usually worse just after TMJ, probably causes your senior loved one to wake. Over time, untreated TMJ can cause degradation in the jaw joint. So it’s important that your senior parent gets treatment if they have TMJ.

Pain In The Face

When there is pain in the jaw or teeth, it can sometimes cause facial pain. If your senior loved one has pain in their face and jaw after waking, it is likely caused by TMJ. Pain relievers can help, and so can cold and warm compresses used alternately. But the best way to get rid of the facial pain is to see a dentist and get treatment. TMJ treatment involves using a custom fitted mouth guard or other equipment to align the jaw. Using firm pillows and sleeping on the back instead of on the side or stomach can also help.

We provide services in Virginia’s Fairfax, Loudoun, Arlington, Prince William, Fauquier, Culpeper, Stafford, Winchester-Fredrick, Clarke, and Warren counties.

If you or an aging loved one is considering In-Home Care in Sterling, VA, please contact the caring staff at Care With Love today. 703-935-4070.

Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6699643/