Within your jaw, there are two joints on both sides that are crucial for everything your mouth does. They are called temporomandibular joints, or TMJs for short. These joints are a combination of sockets, muscles, ligaments, and discs all designed to ensure your mouth can open and close and give you the range of motion required for chewing food. Due to the complex mechanisms in place, they can be easily damaged, resulting in temporomandibular joint disorders. Listed below are some tips to help treat TMJ disorders:
– If you feel any pain from a TMJ disorder, heat or ice packs may be able to help.
– For at-home treatment methods for TMJ disorders, mental relaxation techniques such as meditation and biofeedback can be used to alleviate jaw tension.
– Avoid foods and behaviors that can make TMJ disorders worse, such as chewy or hard foods, chewing gum, and biting your nails.
– If you suffer from bruxism, a bite plate or night guard can also help alleviate damage to your TMJs.
Visit your dentist at Craniofacial Pain Center Of Colorado if you experience any of these signs of a TMJ disorder that require treatment: a limited range of jaw motion, pain in or around your ears, tender jaw muscles, clicking or popping sounds in your jaw, pain when opening or closing your mouth including when yawning or chewing, or minor headaches.
To schedule an oral exam with Dr. James Bieneman and our wonderful team at our dentist office in Arvada, Colorado, call us at 303.421.2696. We look forward to seeing you smile!
