Whether you are engaged in casual conversation with your loved ones or making big presentations at work, your ability to speak is important! Sadly, countless individuals fight a daily battle against a condition that negatively affects their communication: TMJ disorder (TMD). Just how can it affect your speech, and what can you do about it? This blog post aims to provide some helpful information.

TMD and Speech Problems

TMD occurs when your temporomandibular joints (the jaw joints, located just in front of your ears) become irritated, damaged, or stressed. This condition can adversely affect nearby muscles and cause a range of symptoms, including speech challenges.

• Stiffness and pain in your facial muscles. This may make it more difficult to move your face and can result in slurred speech.
• Lockjaw. Some TMD patients experience limited jaw mobility or complete inability to move their jaw, which can inhibit speech.
• Popping and clicking. Noticeable noises coming from your jaws may make you feel self-conscious when you speak.
• Loss of desire to speak. Pain and embarrassment may reduce your desire to talk. You might find yourself speaking only when you have no other options.

What Can You Do?

TMD is a somewhat complex condition, but the good news is that it is usually quite treatable. Here are some suggestions that might improve your ability to speak (as well as your comfort when doing so).

• See your dentist. A qualified neuromuscular dentist can examine your jaw joints and customize a treatment plan for your unique situation. You might need something relatively simple, such as a custom splint to help your facial muscles relax.
• Use hot and cold therapy. Heat can promote relaxation in tense muscles, and lower temperatures may reduce pain. Heat and ice will not cure your condition, but they can often provide temporary relief.
• Perform exercises and massages. Gently massaging your face, as well as performing light jaw exercises, may strengthen your TMJs and facial muscles.
• Rest when you can. If you are in a lot of pain, speak only when you have to. You should also not overwork your mouth by eating tough or chewy foods. A soft diet would be preferable.

Your ability to speak is precious! Instead of suffering through the pain of TMD, talk to a qualified professional about your treatment options.

Meet the Practice

Dr. James Olsen is an experienced dentist with advanced training in neuromuscular dentistry. In fact, he is a proud member of the International College of Cranio-Mandibular Orthopedics (ICCMO). He takes a targeted approach to TMD with the goal of providing long-lasting relief for each patient. If you would like to find out how he may be able to serve you, contact our Ann Arbor office at 734-996-0200.