Why are Women more Susceptible to TMJ than Men?

LAKE FOREST AND LAKE BLUFF IL

TMJ affects millions of individuals worldwide, and more than 75 percent of those persons are women between the ages of 19 and 49. Women are diagnosed with TMJ five times more commonly than males, and their symptoms are typically more severe. Our Lake Forest dentists that treat TMJ disorder share some evidence-based explanations for why women are more susceptible to TMJ than men and some suggestions for getting relief.

1. Women are more sensitive to stress and their emotions

TMJ and stress have a clear link. When under stress, humans clench their jaws and grind their teeth. According to studies, women often experience higher stress and anxiety levels than men and react to stress differently. Women are most often deficient in Magnesium, which helps control stress levels. You can eat magnesium-rich foods like leafy green vegetables, bananas, and almonds or speak with your doctor about blood tests to check your vitamin levels. You should always consult with a doctor before taking any vitamins or supplements.

2. Variations in bone and muscle density

The fact that women’s jaw bones differ from men’s doesn’t explain why more women than men experience TMJ symptoms. Male and female jaw bones aren’t structurally the same. Our Lincolnshire dentists who offer TMJ treatment explain that males have longer, broader, and thicker upper jaw bones. Although it’s unclear how exactly these differences affect TMJ, it’s apparent that they have some bearing on how each gender perceives the illness. You obviously can’t change your bone density if you’re a woman, but you can find comfort by avoiding tough and chewy foods that put stress on this part of your jaw.

3. Hormones, Estrogen, and Contraceptives

Researchers are working on learning more about how estrogen may cause TMJ in females. According to some studies, estrogen receptors in women’s jaws may impede pain signals and the hormonal regulating process when the jaw is misaligned, making women more sensitive to painful TMJ symptoms. Our TMJ dentists in Lake Forest explain that if a woman has an unbalanced progesterone level in her body, this may have a bad effect on her bone, collagen, cartilage, and other proteins.

What treatments are available for TMJ?

Whether you’re a man or a woman doesn’t influence the need to seek professional dental care when you have TMJ. Unfortunately, therapy is necessary for TMJ problems to cease the discomfort and reestablish occlusion. Ignoring your TMJ issue will make the discomfort worse and risk causing serious long-term effects.

Fortunately, our Lake Bluff dentists that treat TMJ patients offer the multiple treatments outlined below.

• Replace Missing Teeth – Your bite might be affected by one missing tooth, which would hurt your jaw joint. To restore bite stability, lost teeth may be replaced with dental implants, a partial denture, or a dental bridge.
• Adjust Occlusion – TMJ dysfunction frequently begins with a misaligned bite. Achieving a balanced bite may entail altering teeth or dental restorations. For appropriate bite force distribution, it may be necessary to reshape teeth that are overly long or that absorb the bulk of your biting power.
• Orthodontics – Your occlusion—the way your teeth bite and chew—is impacted by misaligned teeth. You may be able to get TMJD relief and occlusion restoration using orthodontics or Invisalign.
• Oral Splint – Splints, also known as oral appliances, are made to keep your jaw in a certain position to ease tension and pain. Our dentists may modify the splint, and you will receive instructions on how frequently and how long to wear it, typically while sleeping.
• Full Mouth Reconstruction – A complete mouth reconstruction can be required in rare circumstances. Drs. Campbell and Schmidt may recommend orthodontics, an oral split, and other methods to attain ideal jaw joint balance using a combination of therapies.
• TENS Unit – Electrical impulses are sent to the nerves, causing your skin to buzz or tingle. The drug-free procedure shouldn’t hurt. In fact, people report it quickly reduces discomfort and has long-term advantages.

TMJ Treatment in Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, and Lincolnshire

No matter if you’re a man or a woman, suffering from TMJ can disrupt your day and cause intense painful sensations. Unfortunately, the pain will intensify until you seek proper treatment with a qualified TMJ dentist in Lincolnshire. If you or your partner suffer from TMJ symptoms, we encourage you to contact Lake Forest Smiles at (847) 234-4800 or request an appointment online to receive fast relief.