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You probably don’t take much notice of your temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) often, but in reality, you use them a lot. Whether you talk, chew, or swallow, these joints are responsible for making those actions happen.
We tend to take this amazing part of our facial structure for granted since issues regarding it are not so common compared to dental concerns. However, the moment you experience pain in that area, it’s going to be extremely uncomfortable and hurt really bad. Besides making your eating experience unpleasant, you’re going to end up with sleepless nights because of the pain.
That being said, let’s take a closer look at the different causes of temporomandibular disorders as well as some telltale signs that you might have one. We’re also going to share five ways to help your sleep and heal your temporomandibular joints, so keep reading ahead.
What Causes Temporomandibular Joint Disorder?
So, what exactly causes the temporomandibular joint disorder? While there is not one specific reasoning behind one experiencing this type of disorder, dentists and orthodontists believe that certain symptoms manifest from problems with your jaw muscle or within the joint itself.
Specialists also explain getting your jaw, the muscles or your head or neck, or even the joint itself injured can put you at a higher risk of acquiring TMD. Other ways for a person to get TMD are clenching and grinding of teeth, stress, and even the movement of the disc or soft cushion in the middle of the socket and ball of the joint.
Additionally, if you develop arthritis in that specific joint, then you are also likely to develop TMD. While these are all the causes, what are the telltale signs or symptoms of TMD? Let’s take a look at the next section below.
Common Symptoms of Temporomandibular Disorders
Temporomandibular disorders can cause a lot of uncomfortable pain for one person. The pain can either be temporary or even last up to many years. The pain can manifest on either or both sides of your face. TMD is common for people ages 20-40 years old.
The typical symptoms of TMD are experiencing pain or tenderness in your entire face, cheeks, jaw, shoulders, neck, or within your ear whenever you speak, eat, or widely open your mouth. Another symptom is when your jaw gets locked or stuck when your mouth is in its open or closed position.
Furthermore, if you hear popping, clicking, or grating sounds whenever you open or close your mouth, it’s also a common sign of TMD; however, this may not necessarily be painful.
Another common and obvious symptom is if you have difficulties chewing your food or you feel that you have an unusual bite that’s uncomfortable. You may also have some swelling on the side of your fish if you suspect you have TMD.
It’s important to schedule a consultation with an orthodontist so that they can further examine your jaw and conclude with an accurate diagnosis. Now that you’re aware of the different symptoms of TMD, here are some helpful tips that can ease your pain and even help you get better sleep.
Eating with Utmost Care
Since your jaw is affected and gives you total discomfort and pain, you need to be warier in your food choices. One way to eat with care is by consuming softer foods. By eating softer foods, your jaw wouldn’t need to exert that much effort in chewing them, and you don’t have to open your mouth as wide. Chewing less means there’s less pressure on your jaw, giving it a break to let the inflammation subside.
Softer foods include mashed potatoes, soup, and scrambled eggs. Cut your food into smaller pieces so that you can chew less.
Taking Medication
Visit your orthodontist so that they can prescribe you the appropriate medication to help ease the pain if it’s too extreme. For mild cases, you can purchase over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen that can help with decreasing muscle pain and relieve any swelling.
Follow the correct instructions with taking medication in order to properly reduce the pain, don’t take too much of the medication in hopes of eliminating the pain much faster as this can bring more harm than good.
Using Hot or Cold Packs
Apply a hot or cold compress onto the side of your face for a couple of minutes a few times a day. By doing so, you’re able to temporarily relieve the pain in your jaw. Ice helps with decreasing the pain and swelling, while the heat is good for relaxing your muscles and promoting a healthier blood flow.
Be sure to consult with your dentist or orthodontist so that they can also properly demonstrate the right way of applying the compress onto your jaw.
Do Jaw Exercises
In conjunction with using your hot and cold compress, doing jaw exercises is another way to reduce the pain in your temporomandibular joints. There are many exercises that help strengthen and stretch your jaw muscles, as well as increase mobility, lessen jaw clicking, and support jaw healing.
Massage therapy is also encouraged to help with TMD. Be sure to do your proper research before scheduling a massage appointment, and consult your orthodontist first before everything.
Wear a Night Guard Before Bed
Having trouble sleeping? Wearing a bite or night guard is a simple way of alleviating pressure from your temporomandibular joints every time you grind or clench your teeth. The night guard is worn on your top and bottom teeth to prevent them from clashing against each other, especially while you sleep.
The Best Specialists of TMD/TMJ in New Jersey
If you feel you’re experiencing temporomandibular joint dysfunction, then partner up with Smiles by Lorino Orthodontics to help you with your concern. We’re a team of specialists of TMD/TMJ in New Jersey with five locations statewide: Franklin Lakes, Long Hill, Belleville, Wayne, and Kearny.
Request an appointment today or contact us for any inquiries!