TMJ is a disorder that affects the muscles in the jaw that control opening and closing. It can also affect your ears, nose, cheeks, neck, or tongue.
Though most people experience only minor symptoms of TMJ, some people experience severe pain or frequent headaches that interfere with their daily activities. This article will help you explore treatment options for TMJ so you can find relief.
What is a TMJ Disorder?
The temporomandibular joint is the movement of the mandible and the temporal bone. It is located on each side of your face and allows you to speak, yawn, eat or sing.
Temporomandibular joint disease (TMD) occurs when there is excessive wear and tear on the TMJ, causing pain or dysfunction. Symptoms include pain, clicking, locking, popping sounds in the jaw, and clicking in the ear when chewing food.
TMJ Disorders can also result from other conditions such as arthritis, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, and fibromyalgia.
The Risk Factors for TMJ Disorder
TMJ disorder is a common disorder that can affect anyone at any age. The most common risk factor of TMD is stress. Other common risk factors include anxiety, depression, genetics, how you sleep, and what you eat.
You should also keep in mind that there are many different possible causes for TMJ disorder. It’s important to get a proper diagnosis to take the appropriate steps to reduce your risk factors.
How to Treat TMJ Disorder?
When it comes to TMJ treatment in Bayside, NY, there is no one-size-fits-all. Our dentist will often use one or a combination of treatments based on your symptoms and the severity of the TMJ.
Some of the treatments that our dentist in 11361 may use include:
1. Medications
Your doctor may also recommend other non-surgical treatments to relieve the pain associated with TMJ disorders. These options may include creams, some antibiotics, and some medications. Antidepressants and muscle relaxants can also be used to ease the discomfort.
2. Therapies
Some of the top nondrug therapies for TMJ disorder include mouth guards and oral splints. They often help to reduce jaw pain and allow you to work productively again.
Physical therapy can also help strengthen and stretch jaw muscles, provide moist heat and ice to relieve inflammation, and perform joint mobility exercises.
Our dentist may also recommend counseling and education. These are effective ways to help alleviate pain by identifying factors like teeth clenching, chin leaning, or biting fingernails.
3. Home remedies
During your recovery period, you may benefit from a variety of soft foods. Avoid solid foods such as chips, crackers, and crunchy vegetables. Instead, choose to eat mashed potatoes, yogurt, soup, scrambled eggs, and fish.
The dentist may show you how to do exercises that stretch and strengthen your jaw muscles by either massaging them yourself or using tools.
4. Dental work
You may want to consider a dental workup if you notice a change in your gums or teeth. Missing teeth and problems with biting surfaces can be replaced using crowns, bridges & braces. The extent of treatment taken depends on why the problem is occurring and how severe it is.
5. Alternative remedies
There is a variety of complementary and alternative medicine that you can use to reduce TMJ symptoms. These include acupuncture, acupressure, anti-inflammatory treatments, massage therapy, and biofeedback. Biofeedback is a medical treatment that uses electronic devices to monitor and provide feedback on a person’s physiological or mental state. Relaxation techniques can be practiced at home, in the office, or in the comfort of your own home.
How to Prevent TMJ Pain?
TMJ pain is a common issue caused by various factors such as stress, sleeping problems, neck pain, and even clenching.
Avoid these causes of TMJ pain by following some simple precautions. Reduce stress by meditating and doing yoga. Also, avoid clenching your teeth throughout the day to reduce the strain on your jaw joint. Talk to a dentist near you about treating TMJ pain if you are struggling with it long-term.
Schedule an Appointment
Visit Dental Expressions by Dr. Gary Bram for more information about TMJ disorder.
