Research has indicated that when it comes to certain things like endurance, verbal memory, and even multitasking and planning, women consistently outperform men. Unfortunately, however, they also excel in one particularly uncomfortable area: temporomandibular joint disorders. In fact, TMJ disorders are a staggering 800% more common in the fairer sex than they are in their male counterparts. Here’s why!
Bruxism / Teeth Grinding
Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is a condition that affects approximately 22 percent more women than men and can occur both during the day in stressful situations like intense meetings and traffic jams, or during sleep without the patient even knowing it’s happening! It can also cause TMJ disorders or make existing ones worse.
Anxiety & Stress
Stress is a common factor in many TMJ disorder cases, because many patients (especially female) clench their jaw or grind their teeth in moments of high anxiety. In fact, according to a 2023 study by the American Psychological Association, women report higher instances of stress than men and are diagnosed with depression and anxiety more frequently than males, too!
Pregnancy & Hormonal Changes
Because pregnancy can be so mentally and physically challenging, women are automatically at a higher risk of stress-related TMJ disorders than men. However, because pregnant women may also experience deficiencies in vitamin D, magnesium, and phosphorous, these can also leave them vulnerable to temporomandibular joint issues.
Furthermore, as women age, their production of estrogen slows, often resulting in painful conditions like osteoarthritis, which can weaken or damage both the hard and soft tissues in the jaw joints, causing a temporomandibular joint disorder.
Fibromyalgia & Other Conditions
Fibromyalgia affects between five and ten million adults here in the United States, and upwards of 90 percent of those cases are women! The disorder is known to cause fatigue, sleep problems, and even bone and muscle pain, including temporomandibular joint disorders.
Treating TMJ Disorders
While there is no gender based or specific treatment for TMJ disorders, there are many options available from your dentist that can address a variety of issues without medication. To learn more about which method will work best for you, it is important to schedule a consultation. There, your jaw will be examined, and an appropriate regimen will be prescribed based on your individual anatomy and symptoms, and may include one or more of the following options, such as use of a TENS Machine, an occlusal splint, equilibrations/ occlusal adjustments, or even BOTOX injections.
Remember, while women may be more likely to experience the debilitating symptoms associated with temporomandibular joint disorders, that doesn’t mean they need to suffer! With the help of your dentist, lasting relief from TMJ disorders is possible, so schedule your consultation for treatment today.
About Our Practice
At Exceptional Dentistry, we are pleased to offer a variety of safe, effective treatments for TMJ disorders for patients of any gender. Whether you’re suddenly experiencing discomfort or you’ve been muddling through with jaw pain for years, we’re here to help. To schedule your consultation, visit our website or call us today at 301-460-3331.