Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, commonly referred to as TMD, affects the jaw joints, which are located just in front of your ears. This condition can disrupt your daily life with symptoms that range from mild discomfort to significant pain. If you have noticed unusual sensations in your jaw or changes in your ability to chew and speak, you might wonder if you can just live with the condition, or if it is important to seek professional care. This blog post explores what you should know.
Understanding TMJ Disorder: Why You Should Care
Your jaw joints play a vital role in daily activities such as eating, speaking, and even expressing emotion. When these joints do not function properly, the resulting symptoms can affect your quality of life, causing not only physical discomfort but also emotional stress.
TMD symptoms can fluctuate over time, sometimes improving on their own, which may lead you to believe that professional care is unnecessary. However, in order for you to enjoy lasting relief, proper treatment is a must.
Temporary Relief: Home Remedies and Lifestyle Adjustments
Many people try to manage TMD symptoms at home because they are reluctant to invest in professional care. The following strategies may provide temporary relief:
- Eat soft foods to minimize strain on jaw muscles and joints.
- Apply ice packs or warm compresses to the affected area for short-term pain relief.
- Use over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Perform gentle jaw exercises to support mobility and reduce muscle tension.
- Practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation to decrease jaw clenching and teeth grinding.
Home remedies can ease discomfort, but they rarely resolve the underlying issues associated with TMJ disorder. If your TMD stems from factors such as poor bite alignment, stress-related teeth grinding, or joint degeneration, symptoms are likely to keep recurring or even worsen over time. Relying solely on self-care may delay proper diagnosis and effective treatment. There is even a risk that you could experience permanent joint damage.
Professional Treatment That Works
Dentists with training in TMD disorder are in the best position to help you address this condition. They offer a range of treatments that can relieve symptoms and care for the underlying cause of the disorder.
For example, you might benefit from an occlusal splint, a custom-made oral appliance designed to fit over your teeth and help realign the jaw. This device can reduce pressure on the jaw joints, minimize teeth grinding, and alleviate muscle tension.
Equilibration is another key approach. It involves the precise adjustment of your bite by reshaping the surfaces of your teeth. This process helps your teeth come together evenly, which can decrease strain on the jaw and promote healthier joint function.
Can you live with TMJ disorder? Technically, you can; ignoring your symptoms or neglecting professional should not kill you. However, if you want to enjoy optimal health and quality of life, properly addressing TMD is essential!
Meet the Practice
Dr. Admasu Gizachew, affectionately known as “Dr. G,” is a highly accomplished dentist in Barnegat, NJ. He has studied the complexities of TMJ disorder, and he offers multiple treatment options that are designed to providing lasting relief while supporting the health of your jaw joints. To learn more about Dr. G and how our team may be able to serve you, contact Nu Dental at 609-879-0036.