TMD, what it is, and how it can be avoided. Temporal mandibular joint dysfunction can be arthritis, injury, infection, or dislocation of the temporal mandibular joint. Your temporal mandibular joint, or TMJ, is the muscles and ligaments near your ear that help your jaw open and close.
When you experience discomfort or injury in this area, it can make talking and eating very uncomfortable.
So how can you prevent TMD? You need to protect this joint. Here are some easy ways to do so.
- Rest, and repeat. Proper sleep is essential. Make sure you sleep on your back, using a pillow to support the head and neck. If you have to sleep on your side, refrain from resting your head on your hands. If your jaw feels tired or sore when you wake up, you might be clenching or grinding. If this is the case, call our office, and we can discuss options of appliances that can be fitted to protect your TMJ and teeth. Grinding and clenching can cause joint pain and aggravate muscles in your neck, back, and head, as well as cause sensitive or broken teeth.
- Relax. Stress can cause tightness in your TMJ. When stressed, you are more prone to clench, grind, or tighten your jaw. When you are feeling anxiety or emotional pressure, try some meditation exercises to relax all of your muscles.
- Do not overwork your joint. We use our jaws all of the time. At rest, while eating, talking, and breathing. Abstain from overextending this joint. Refrain from the following:
-Yawning
-Yelling
-Chewing your cheeks or lips
-Clenching/Grinding
-Nail biting
– Chewing gum for extended periods.
– Overly crunchy, hard, or chewy foods
- Listen to your Mother and sit up straight. Slouching, or sitting in a way where your back has poor support, can cause stress on your jaw joint. The muscles of your back, neck, and jaw are all connected. Poor posture can cause strain on all of these muscles. When sitting, ensure your back is supported, and you are not resting your jaw on your hands.
- When injured, rest! Use cold and warm compresses to treat the injury. Eat softer foods or a more liquid diet. Call your dentist’s office for a possible prescription to bring down inflammation in your joint and treat your pain.
- See your dentist regularly. Part of a dental exam is evaluating your jaw joint. Is it clicking or popping when opening and closing? Does the patient have a full range of motion when opening? Are the patient’s teeth exhibiting signs of wear? Your dentist will evaluate your risk factors for TMD.
Any temporal mandibular disorders can be treated and should be. Call our office for a dental check-up and discuss any concerns you might have. North Creek Dental Care is here to help. 708-532-4131.
