Eating is a staple source of culture for communities around the world. Food is a part of celebratory festivals, ceremonies, and family additions and losses. Food affects all of us differently, from bringing comfort in a time of need to cementing a sense of community with your neighbors. Suffering from temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ/TMD) can cause discomfort, pain, and muscle fatigue, effectively stripping the joy of eating away from us.

How Does TMJ Effect Eating?

The signs and symptoms of TMJ reach far and wide. This collection of symptoms can impact people in any of the following ways:

• Mouth discomfort
• Lockjaw
• Limited jaw movement
• Teeth clenching
• Sore back teeth
• Clicking or popping sounds

While fairly extensive, the list goes on. Apart from its direct relation to chewing and eating, TMJ can also cause problems with posture, migraines, and shoulder and neck pain. TMJ can be a significant contributor to loss of appetite as well for many of these same reasons. If you're suffering from mouth discomfort or tooth pain, your desire to eat can become significantly reduced.

Who Is Most Affected?

Temporomandibular joint disorder affects most people in one way or another. In women, for example, TMJ frequently manifests itself through pain and discomfort, whereas in men, TMJ is more synonymous with damage to the teeth, gums, joints, and bones. Children, on the other hand, are even more sensitive to TMJ symptoms. TMJ in children can lead to ear infections, headaches, snoring, lip chewing, cheek chewing, and finger sucking or chewing. As far as who is most affected by TMJ, the jury is still out. Temporomandibular joint disorder affects everyone differently.

TMJ Treatment at Balance Epigenetic Orthodontics in Lynnwood, WA

Dr. Buck specializes in the treatment of various dental and jaw-related disorders, including TMJ. With an innovative, ever-evolving approach to modern dentistry, Dr. Buck uses his decades of expertise to provide much-needed relief to patients who haven't known dental comfort in years. Call Dr. Buck and the experts at Balance Epigenetic Orthodontics in Lynnwood, WA at (425) 409-2180 or visit our contact page today for your consultation and path to living pain-free.