TMD might slightly confuse some readers because TMJ actually refers to both the Temporomandibular Joint as well as Temporomandibular Joint Disorder. People call the disorder TMJ for short. Brodsky Orthodontics is all about educating our patients. Today we’d like to talk about TMD a little more as a way to understand what it is and also to discuss some ways that you can remedy TMD both at home and also with the assistance of your dentist at Brodsky Orthodontics. We offer a wide range of treatments that can help reduce and even relieve your symptoms completely.
Your TMJs are a pair of joints that work together to move the mandible (lower jaw bone) in its different directions (front, back, and to each side). Complications can arise for a number of reasons, manifesting themselves in a number of ways beyond pain and discomfort. This pair of joints is also susceptible to injury over time.
Causes of TMD:
Injury to teeth and numerous other causes can land you with TMD, including stress, gum chewing, eating certain foods over time, arthritis, as well as bite misalignment. TMJ disorder can happen for a variety of reasons, from teeth grinding to jaw trauma (being struck in the jaw, for instance), resulting in localized pain. Bruxism and constant clenching can also lead to TMD. Beyond pain and discomfort, your jaw can actually get stuck in a certain position, inhibiting your ability to speak and chew.
Other symptoms include clicking and popping of the jaw, regularly-occurring headaches and migraines, jaw deviation, vertigo, muscle spasms in the jaw area, even nervousness and insomnia. If you’re experiencing TMJ disorder, you don’t have to suffer in silence. Brodsky Orthodontics can give you the support you need. If you are having trouble with your jaw and you’re not sure if you suffer from TMD, then we’ll schedule your initial consultation and get to the bottom of the situation.
Brodsky Orthodontics can give you the treatment you need and also some tips for relieving your TMJ disorder at home. We believe that proper education and preventive dentistry is key in creating a foundation of good oral health, a foundation you can draw upon for the rest of your years.
Remember to relax your face.
This means keeping your lips together, but your teeth slightly apart, avoiding teeth grinding and jaw tension. Think of your jaw as something to preserve and take care of.
Avoid gum chewing.
Gum chewing can end up doing some serious damage to your jaw as well as your teeth. Many brands are packed with sugar. The constant chewing can lead to the development of TMJ disorder or aggravation of your current TMJ disorder. If you must freshen your breath, opt for breath mints instead. They are far less hard on your jaw than gum. Just make sure that you don’t chew them, because that can lead to tooth and jaw damage over time.
Apply moist heat to your jaw periodically.
Be good to your jaw. It’s a complex joint and undergoes so much pressure on a daily basis. Be sure to give it some relief. Do this especially if you’ve experienced stress or pain throughout the day. Muscle relaxants can also help, so long as you use them as prescribed by a medical professional. Over the counter drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen can also help for pain relief and act as an anti-inflammatory agent.
Dentist-grade appliances will help significantly.
All the more reason to schedule your consultation with Brodsky Orthodontics if you’re experiencing jaw discomfort related to TMJ Disorder. Dental appliances such as dental guards can go a long way in protecting your teeth and jaw from grinding that occurs in your sleep and in waking life. We can custom fit these to your upper mouth specifications, preventing grinding against the lower teeth.
Learn an effective relaxation technique.
Whether you choose yoga, meditation, or a nice mineral bath, find a relaxation routine that works for you. Maybe even change it up here and there, since the mind likes variety. Taking the time to relax and decompress is important for your physical and mental health, it also just so happens to be linked to your oral health. Physical rehabilitation or sleep rehabilitation may also be necessary.
Practice therapeutic mandible movements.
These exercises and movements can significantly reduce pain and discomfort in your jaw, relieving symptoms of TMJ disorder in the process. We can go over these therapeutic lower jaw movements with you at Brodsky Orthodontics today.
Contact Brodsky Orthodontics if your symptoms persist. We can give you the proper treatment you need to relieve you of your TMJ disorder. Pick up the phone and schedule your consultation today.