People in Bend spend a lot of time outdoors, especially with mountain biking, climbing, and other outdoor activities being a way of life in Central Oregon. Whether you’re pursuing an outdoor lifestyle or just taking a break from your regular routine, spending time outside can mean a lot of strain on your jaw. If you notice that you are experiencing jaw pain or a clicking noise when you eat, you could be dealing with a condition known as TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder. In this article, we’ll discuss what TMJ disorder is, how it is caused, symptoms associated with it, and treatment options to help you manage your condition.
What is TMJ Disorder?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge that connects your jaw to the temporal bone of your skull. It is responsible for allowing the jaw to open, close, and move from side to side so that you can chew, speak, and yawn. TMJ disorder occurs when the hinge becomes misaligned or moves in a way that causes pain and affects movement in your jaw. This condition can be caused by numerous things, including injury or trauma to the jaw, teeth clenching or grinding, and a misaligned bite.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorder in Bend
If you notice any of these symptoms, you may be experiencing TMJ disorder in Bend:
- A persistent ache or pressure in the face, jaw, or neck area, that could also spread to the ears
- Difficulty opening or closing the jaw
- Popping or clicking noises when you open your mouth
- Difficulty and discomfort when chewing
- Swelling on the side of the face
- Regular headaches or migraines
If you notice any of these symptoms, you should schedule an appointment with a dental professional to get an accurate diagnosis and start treatment.
Treatment Options for TMJ Disorder in Bend
If your dentist determines that you have TMJ disorder, they will likely recommend a course of treatment to help you manage your symptoms and maintain your quality of life. Treatment options for TMJ disorder commonly include:
- Physical therapy, which can help teach you exercises and stretches to improve your jaw movement and reduce pain
- Routine dental checkups to check the progress of your disorder and find any other problems in the mouth that could be impacting your jaw
- Stress-reduction techniques, such as meditation, yoga, or other relaxation exercises to help reduce teeth grinding and clenching
- Over-the-counter pain relief medication to help ease the discomfort
- In some cases, your dentist might recommend orthodontic treatment to correct an imbalanced bite
Preventing TMJ Disorder in Bend
Preventing TMJ disorder in Bend boils down to taking a few simple steps to reduce strain on your jaw. When spending time outdoors, be mindful of the way your jaw is positioned and try to reduce any activities that could be causing strain, such as biting your nails or chewing gum. Additionally, engage in jaw stretches and exercises regularly to keep your muscles and joints healthy and reduce the risk of injury. If your job requires you to spend a lot of time talking on the phone, try using a hands-free option to reduce the strain on your jaw. Finally, keep an eye on your stress levels and take steps to reduce it to avoid teeth grinding and clenching.
Get Treatment for TMJ Disorder in Bend
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of TMJ disorder in Bend, it’s important to get an accurate diagnosis and start treatment as soon as possible. The longer you wait to treat TMJ disorder, the harder it can be to effectively treat the symptoms and prevent it from getting worse. Schedule an appointment with your dentist today to start the process of getting treatment for your TMJ disorder. Bend is an excellent place to live, work, and play – don’t let TMJ disorder get in the way of your quality of life.