Chewing, laughing, smiling, and talking are natural facial movements you make daily. But if you have TMJ (temporomandibular joint) dysfunction, doing these seemingly simple movements can hurt. In the long run, it can negatively impact your mood and overall quality of life. Most TMJ symptoms can resolve in a few weeks to months, but harmful habits or certain behaviours can aggravate them and strain your neck and jaw muscles. See an orthodontist in Brossard if you want to find relief and treatment for the condition.
What is TMJ Disorder?
The ligaments and muscles involved in mouth movements connect to the temporomandibular joints where your lower jawbone and skull meet. TMJ disorders come in many forms, including arthritis, injury, dislocation, or an injection in the joint that can result in painful locking, clicking, ringing in the ears, neck pain, and headaches. The symptoms often get worse whenever you move facial muscles by swallowing, chewing, clenching your jaw, or grinding your teeth. Some people suddenly experience TMJ pain so severe that they need to see an emergency walk in dentist.
Managing TMJ disorders
The good news is that there are ways to manage TMJ pain and prevent the symptoms from showing frequently.
1. Wear a mouthguard
Custom mouth guards can prevent you from grinding or clenching your teeth subconsciously when you’re stressed, anxious, or asleep. An orthodontist in Brossard can customize one for you.
2. Practice self-relief techniques
Most people unknowingly clench their jaws when anxious or going through stressful situations. Learning and practising stress-relief techniques like mindfulness, breathing, and meditation may help reduce tension to relax and loosen your jaw. You can also try relaxing activities such as yoga to minimize stress on your muscles or gardening.
3. Try acupuncture
Acupuncture is a traditional eastern medicine practice that may relieve TMJ pain by suppressing the pain receptors in the affected facial areas and jaw.
4. Self-massage
TMJ pain can sometimes occur when you least expect it. Try to massage your jaw using your index and middle fingers and apply firm strokes to the affected areas. If the pain becomes unbearable, visit an emergency walk in dentist.
5. Strength training
TMJ disorders may not necessarily indicate weak jaw muscles. In fact, they can develop because other parts of your body—like your stomach, back, or neck—are weak. Strength training may help improve your posture and build stronger muscles. Poor posture can worsen the pain in your jaw, so choose an ergonomic chair with good back support and take frequent breaks when you can. When driving, ensure your seat is upright, and sit upright with a pillow behind your back while reading, watching TV, or doing other leisure activities.
A dentist can help
In many cases, TMJ pain is caused by misaligned teeth, which can affect the alignment of your jaw. Set an appointment with our orthodontist in Brossard to achieve a healthier smile that can help relieve jaw pain. At Alpha Dental Clinic, you can also find an emergency walk in dentist to address other oral problems that may come your way, such as toothaches, a lost filling, or a knocked out, chipped, or broken tooth.
