Your jaw is one of the most complex and important parts of your entire body—without it, you certainly wouldn’t be able to eat, speak, laugh, or enjoy life to the same degree that you do! However, when you experience issues with your jawbone, specifically issues with the joints that connect it to the rest of your skull, even the simplest, most mundane daily tasks can become difficult or even frustrating. Even talking with your family or friends can pose a challenge! Fortunately, these issues (often referred to as TMJ disorder or TMD) can be treated. Here’s more about how.
What Exactly Is TMD?
TMJ disorder, often abbreviated as TMD, is arguably one of the most misunderstood disorders in all of medicine—nonetheless, it can be quite serious and debilitating! It occurs when the temporomandibular joints (the joints that connect your jaw to the skull) encounter issues that affect their functionality. This can manifest as symptoms including jaw and neck pain, impaired speech and oral function, as well as other problems that might not even seem related to the jaw, such as loss of vision or hearing, as well as sleep apnea. It’s estimated that roughly 35 million people suffer from some type of TMJ disorder, making it quite common!
How Can TMD Impact Speech?
TMD notably causes all sorts of speech problems, given one’s reliance on their jawbone to speak and articulate things clearly. The temporomandibular joints play a crucial role in proper speech; they facilitate the necessary jaw movements needed for articulation and pronunciation. If TMD is affecting a patient, they might experience issues including muffled speech, slurred speech, or the inability to make certain sounds or move the jaw in a certain way. What’s worse is that TMD can also inhibit dental development and trigger bruxism, which can damage the teeth and further cause harm to one’s speaking capabilities.
How Is TMD Treated?
You’ll be happy to hear that TMD can be treated with the help of your dentist—and by addressing the issues affecting TMJ health, not only is proper speech function restored, but also optimal oral function! By addressing TMD, patients can confidently regain the ability to speak clearly, eat easily, and smile vibrantly. Better yet, patients who manage their TMD are at a much lower risk of other resulting health issues. Some common treatment options include oral appliance therapy, jaw muscle exercises, or in some serious cases, surgical intervention.
If you suspect that you’re suffering from TMD, don’t wait to see your dentist for an evaluation. Your smile is an asset that allows you to confidently navigate life, but it’s not all for show—it also allows you to speak freely and with ease!
About the Author
Dr. Amanda Hyland received her dental doctorate from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and has proudly served patients and families in the Mankato, MN community for several years. Her practice is thrilled to offer a wide range of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative services, as well as TMJ treatments for patients dealing with jaw pain and other signs of TMD. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to schedule a visit for you or a loved one, feel free to contact her team through their website or over the phone for assistance: (507) 387-3249.