Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ) can be a very painful and debilitating condition that affects your jaw and surrounding muscles. It can make regular daily activities like talking and eating extremely difficult and can even lead to recurring headaches and sleep disturbances. The good news is that there are many ways to manage TMJ and prevent further complications. To provide you with an overview of the topic, we have consulted Bend’s top dental professionals for their expertise on the matter.
What is TMJ and what are the symptoms?
TMJ stands for Temporomandibular Joint and it refers to the joint connecting the jaw bone to the skull. Consisting of bones, cartilage, and muscles, the TMJ is vital for proper oral and facial movement. When swelling or inflammation occurs in the joint or from the surrounding muscles, the individual experiences a condition known as TMJ dysfunction.
Symptoms of TMJ may present as jaw pain, difficulty in opening and closing the mouth, clicking or popping sounds emanating from the joint, headaches, tension and migraines, tooth sensitivity, difficulty in chewing or talking, and even an inability to sleep. As a result, TMJ can greatly decrease the individual’s quality of life.
How does TMJ affect oral health?
TMJ can have a significant impact on overall oral health. Individuals with TMJ are more likely to grind their teeth, clench their jaw, or experience sensitivity. Bruxism, or teeth grinding, can exacerbate TMJ symptoms, and could result in muscle fatigue and pain, headaches, and damage to the teeth and the underlying structures.
Furthermore, individuals with TMJ are also more likely to experience tooth decay and gum disease. The malocclusion of teeth can mean that there is a greater likelihood of trapping food particles between teeth and in the crevices of the gums. These particles can serve as a food source for bacteria and the resulting plaque can cause infection and inflammation in the gums.
How to manage TMJ
There are several ways to manage TMJ. The first step is visiting a dental professional who will provide a thorough evaluation of the individual’s jaw, muscles, teeth, and gums, including diagnostic imaging. Indeed, TMJ can be difficult to diagnose and can often be mistaken for other conditions.
Following an evaluation, the dental professional may recommend several treatment options. For all individuals with TMJ, the recommendation will be to practice an awareness of the position of the jaw when speaking or chewing. Additionally, some individuals may benefit from physical therapy and exercises to strengthen and relax the muscles.
Individuals experiencing symptoms should also attempt to relieve stress, as anxiety and depressive symptoms can exacerbate TMJ. Finally, many individuals may also benefit from using a night guard or bite splint. These devices are customized to fit the individual’s teeth and help to reposition the jaw, reducing stress and tension over time.
Preventive measures for TMJ
There are several steps one can take to prevent TMJ from becoming a chronic and severe condition. First, individuals should ensure that they are practicing good oral hygiene. This means brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing, and visiting the dentist for a professional cleaning and checkup every six months.
Additionally, individuals should avoid any habits that place stress on the jaw, such as grinding the teeth, biting fingernails and other objects, and chewing hard or sticky foods. Individuals are also encouraged to practice relaxation techniques to help reduce stress, such as deep breathing exercises and mindfulness meditation.
Guidance from Bend’s Dental Professionals
Bend is home to an essential network of dental professionals with expertise in TMJ treatment and prevention. In addition to offering comprehensive evaluations and the most up-to-date dental treatments for TMJ, Bend’s dental team also provides guidance and support for incorporating good oral hygiene practices into daily routines. Furthermore, the Bend dental community is dedicated to ensuring that individuals experiencing TMJ are aware of the potential causes and contributing factors and the resources selected to help manage and prevent future symptoms.
Conclusion
TMJ is a painful and debilitating condition that can affect an individual’s overall quality of life. It is vital to work with a dental professional to reduce symptoms and prevent future complications. Bend’s dental team is dedicated to ensuring that patients with TMJ are well-informed about their condition, the best treatment options, and how to prevent symptoms. By incorporating tips from Bend’s dental community into their daily routines, individuals can drastically reduce the impact of TMJ on their oral health.