The two joints that link the jawbone to the skull, called the TMJs, can become painful due to damage, displacement, or injury. Patients with TMJ have trouble opening their jaws or eating because of a dull to acute ache in the joint. Two of the main reasons for TMJ pain are tooth grinding and clenching.
Nevertheless, this is a treatable problem, and with the right care, TMJ pain may be completely eliminated. You must first quit any habits of clenching or grinding your teeth or take aid from TMJ treatment in NW Calgary, as well as anything else that exerts pressure on the joint.
Understanding TMJ and TMD
Your lower jaw and skull are joined by the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). They are divided by a special disc.
This disc cushions the joints from shocks brought on by jaw movements like chewing and smiling. This system enables the jaw to move up and down, as well as from left to right, with the assistance of the surrounding joints and muscles.
TMJ disorders are a collection of disorders that develop when something prevents this system from functioning properly. This leads to discomfort, suffering, and more. TMJ issues are quite prevalent and can be easily cured at-home or with TMJ treatment near you.
Diagnosing TMJ and TMD
TMJ symptoms can include:
- Muscles of the neck, cheeks, jaw, ears, or temples may experience pain or discomfort.
- Headaches.
- Jaw movement.
- Joint locking Issues with chewing.
- Ear issues, including discomfort or sensitivity to noise and wind.
- Abrasive pops or clicks when shifting the jaw.
Coping Strategies and Self-Care
- You’ve probably heard your doctor recommend using moist heat numerous times to treat joint injuries. A bottle of hot water wrapped in a moist cloth will allow you to have some comfort from TMJ discomfort and provide temporary relief or cure TMJ because TMJ is no different from the rest of the body’s joints. Avoid burning your face when applying moist heat.
- Ice may be available in every home and is useful for reducing pain and inflammation. Wrap the ice pieces in a cloth and then gently press them against the joint. Do so for no more than 10–15 minutes.
- Your dentist in NW Calgary might recommend you eat soft or blended foods if you are experiencing TMJ pain; this will help your jaw relax a little bit. Don’t eat anything crunchy or hard because this requires extra chewing motions, which can hurt your jaw.
- If the pain is intolerable, there are numerous over-the-counter drugs available that don’t contain steroidal painkillers that can be taken to temporarily relieve the discomfort. You might get them from your doctor or dentist, and if necessary, they might also give you stronger painkillers.
- Exercising your jaw is one of the most effective treatments when it comes to reducing TMJ pain. Your doctor will most likely supply you with a list of activities that are easy to perform. Techniques that focus on deep breathing may also aid in pain relief.
You can get relief from TMJ discomfort and permanently cure TMJ by employing the aforementioned remedies. However, in many instances, the symptoms of the TMJ problem went away on their own.
Preventive Measures
By utilizing a dental guard, TMJ can be permanently treated in another way.
Dental guards, which are made of acrylic resin, stop grinding or adjust jaw alignment. They can be made to cover either the top or lower teeth, or even both.
Your mouthguard must be worn throughout the night. Additionally, a dentist near you or a specialist will provide you with detailed instructions on how to wear them and whether you should use them in conjunction with other forms of treatment.
Ready to Treat Your Jaw Pain?
Make a consultation appointment with our dentist at Royal Vista Dental if you have any of the symptoms of TMD discussed above. Our team is here to aid you with your oral health journey.