When you are at risk, it increases your likelihood of getting a disease or condition. It is possible to develop TMD with or without the risk factors listed below. However, if you have a number of the risk factors listed, it is important to ask your dentist what you might be able to do to reduce your risk. Some risk factors of TMD might include:
Stress
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.
Medical Conditions
There are various medical conditions that can also increase your risk of TMD, including:
- Misaligned teeth or bite
- Jaw or facial deformities
- Arthritic conditions
- History of jaw or facial injuries
Gender
Both men and women may suffer from TMD, but women account for 90 percent of those that seek treatment. Research continues to be completed to determine a possible connection between hormones and TMD, indicated sometimes that men and women process pain signals differently. However, there is no evidence to prove this claim quite yet.
Age
Age can also play a factor in a person’s risk for developing TMD. Individuals with TMD are most likely to be between the ages of 30 and 50 years of age. This does not always mean a person will develop TMD, but they are more likely.
Injury
Trauma or injury to the jaw area can translate to long-term issues. TMD may develop if an injury causes dislocation of the jaw joint or movement of the disc and if muscles of opening and closing the jaw are weakened or strained, among other complicating jaw conditions.
Contact Craniofacial Pain and Dental Sleep Center of Georgia if you fall into any of these categories and to see if you suffer from TMD. With help from your dentist you can improve your health and pain.