If you have one or a few risk factors, you are more likely to develop temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMD. But if you don’t have any risk factors, that doesn’t mean you won’t develop TMD. Either way, it is important to visit us at Pinnacle Peak Family Dentistry for further analysis and treatment planning. Here are some risk factors of TMD to keep in mind.

Injury to the jaw

Long-term issues can develop if you experience trauma or injury to the jaw area. If an injury causes dislocation of the jaw joint or movement of the disc, TMD may develop. Additionally, if muscles of opening and closing the jaw are weakened or strained, among other complicated jaw conditions, you can develop TMD.

How old you are

Another risk factor is your age. If you are between the ages of 30 and 50 years, you are at an increased risk of developing TMD. While this doesn’t always mean a person will develop TMD if they are between these ages, their chances do significantly increase.

Your level of stress 

Some stress is acceptable, but constant stress might not be that good. If you are under a lot of stress in your life, you may have an increased risk of TMD. Some of the stress-related habits that may increase your risk of TMD are:

  • Habitually clenching and unclenching your jaw.
  • Grinding your teeth during the day and/or night in your sleep.
  • Constantly chewing things, such as gum or ice.

By learning to combat your stress, you can further prevent the development of TMD in Atlanta. 

Medical conditions

Several medical conditions can also increase your risk of TMD. These include misaligned teeth or bite, jaw or facial deformities, arthritic conditions, and history of jaw or facial injuries. If you suffer from these medical conditions it is important to visit our office for further assessment. 

What your gender is 

Both men and women can suffer from TMD. However, women account for 90 percent of those that seek treatment. Research continues to expand to determine a possible connection between hormones and TMD, indicating sometimes that men and women process pain signals differently. But there is not enough evidence to prove this claim quite yet.

Contact us at Pinnacle Peak Family Dentistry to learn more about TMD and if you are at risk for developing this condition.