Temporomandibular joint disorder and its treatment

Do you often experience pain in the joints of the jaw when you bite or chew food? This could be due to the inflammation of the Temporomandibular Joints (TMJ), leading to pain and discomfort every time you move the lower jaw. Failing to get the condition addressed in the early stages could hinder the movement of the jaw and lead to symptoms that negatively affect your day-to-day activities.

How does TMJ disorder occur? What are its symptoms?

There are several causes for a TMJ disorder, such as persistent chewing, injury to the tissues surrounding the TMJ, stressed out muscles that enable the lower jaw movement, etc. It could result in symptoms such as:

• Popping or clicking sound when you move the lower jaw
• Ringing sound in the ear
• Lockjaw
• Inflammation of the tissues surrounding the TMJ
• Swelling of the TMJ
• Limited movement of the lower jaw
• Discomfort and hindered ability to chew food
• Frequent headaches, especially in the morning

How can TMJ disorder be treated?

The simplest way to treat TMJ disorder is by massaging the facial joints and surrounding tissues regularly. This helps to release the stress and keeps them from getting strained. Here are some preventive and treatment methods that can help to deal with TMD effectively:

• Avoid frequent snacking, as this tends to apply more stress on the muscles and tissues near the TMJ
• Chewing gum should be avoided
• Stick to a softer diet, as chewing hard foods can have a toll on the TMJ and even affect the teeth
• Check for bruxism or sleep apnea and get the conditions treated at the earliest
• Consult a dentist to have the condition diagnosed in depth.

What is a bruxism guard?

Bruxism is a sleep disorder where the patient subconsciously clenches their jaw while asleep. It can lead to stressed-out TMJs, excessive wear of the teeth, persistent headaches, misaligned teeth or jaw, etc. It can be treated effectively using a bruxism guard - an oral appliance that keeps the teeth from either jaw from coming in contact. It also reduces the stress applied to the TMJ and, thereby helping to alleviate the condition.

Get TMD treated at the earliest to save yourself from a whole lot of pain and discomfort. Reach out to us on call or online consultation, and we’ll be happy to help.