Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ), a painful condition, affects the joint that attaches the jawbone to the skull. TMJ can cause mild to severe pain and discomfort, making it challenging to eat, speak, and even sleep.
Here are seven simple ways to permanently treat TMJ :
Identify and Address the Root Cause
Prior to trying to treat TMJ, it’s essential to determine what is causing the condition in the first place. Numerous things, like stress, improper posture, teeth grinding, and misaligned jaws, might contribute to TMJ. You can address the underlying reason and prevent the disorder from reoccurring again by discovering the cause.
Use Heat and Ice Therapy
Inflammation and TMJ pain can both be effectively treated with heat and cold therapy. A cold compress helps reduce swelling and numb discomfort, while a warm compress can help the muscles relax and promote blood flow.
Practice Relaxation Techniques
TMJ is frequently brought on by stress; therefore, learning relaxation techniques will help ease jaw tension. Yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises are all powerful techniques for promoting relaxation and easing TMJ symptoms.
Avoid Chewing Gum and Hard Foods
Due to the added strain, they place on the jaw muscles, chewing gum and hard foods can make TMJ symptoms severe. By avoiding certain foods, you can reduce pain and suffering while preventing additional joint injuries.
Use a Night Guard
Wearing a night guard while you sleep can be useful in preventing any additional damage to the joint because teeth grinding is a common cause of TMJ. The jaw muscles can be relaxed, and pain and discomfort can be reduced with the aid of a night guard.
Massage and Stretch the Jaw Muscles
The risk of TMJ can be decreased by massaging and extending the jaw muscles to reduce tension and increase flexibility. Relaxation and pain relief can both be aided by gently stroking the painful area with your fingers or a massage tool.
Seek Professional Treatment
It may be necessary to seek appropriate professional TMJ treatment near you if your problems are severe or chronic. An individualized treatment plan, which can involve exercises, medication, or even surgery in severe situations, might be provided by a dentist near you or a physical therapist.
FAQs
1.Can I test myself for TMJ disorders?
Place your finger over the joint in front of your ear while expanding your jaw slightly. Then, widen your jaw as widely as you can until you feel the joint move. A temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issue may exist if you can feel the joint click or if it hurts when you gently press on it.
2.Who can diagnose TMJ disorders? How is TMJ diagnosed?
Both your symptoms and your jaw will be examined by your doctor or dentist. He or she will most likely: Pay attention to how your jaw moves when you open and close your mouth.
3.How can I relieve TMJ pain on my own?
You can manage symptoms and lessen TMJ pain without surgery by following the mentioned steps:
- Keep your jaw in its resting posture
- Maintain correct posture.
- Sleep well
- Apply a hot or cold compress
- Lower stress
- Exercise your jaw
- Avoid unhealthy habits
- Eliminate certain foods and activities.
Conclusion
Permanent TMJ treatment necessitates a multifaceted approach. You can significantly reduce TMJ symptoms and enhance your general quality of life by determining the underlying cause, putting relaxation techniques into practice, avoiding triggers, using heat and ice therapy, wearing a night guard, massaging and stretching the jaw muscles, and, if necessary, seeking professional treatment by the dentist in Burnaby.
Visit Eagle Creek Dental if you want to learn more about this condition or are looking for TMJ treatment in Burnaby. We have a team of professionals who can help you treat this condition to prevent significant damage and enhance your overall quality of life.