The Do’s and Don’ts for TMJ Patients
Temporomandibular Joint Disorders occur when the temporomandibular joint (which connects the jaw and temporal bones) is inhibited due to problems with the jaw or facial muscles. The disorder is commonly referred to as TMD or TMJ and often requires TMJ treatment.
If you’re a TMJ patient, you may be experiencing symptoms such as pain and tenderness in the face and surrounding areas, difficulties opening your mouth, tinnitus, facial or TMJ swelling, toothaches, headaches, difficulty chewing, and especially issues near TMJ at night.
Causes
While it’s not entirely clear what causes TMJ disorder, it’s believed that symptoms arise from issues with the joint or muscles – which can manifest from injuries in the joint, jaw, neck, or head, from whiplash, teeth grinding, facial arthritis, or clenching the muscles due to stress. It’s important to understand TMJ to learn how to manage your symptoms and discover what TMJ treatments are.
Don’ts
Don’t….Do Super Strong Jaw Movements
If you’re dealing with TMJ, it’s best to avoid doing really strong or extreme jaw movements. This can make the problem worse, and if you’re trying to feel better you should give your jaw some time to relax.
Don’t….Clench your Teeth Together
As previously mentioned, clenching your teeth together when you have TMJ can irritate and worsen your pain. It’s best to keep your teeth relaxed yet slightly apart. A night guard, specifically a Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Mouthguard, can be beneficial. However, if you ever feel that your TMJ mouth guard is not working, it’s essential to consult with a professional to find a suitable solution.
Do’s
Do….Choose your Food Consciously
Hard foods may be painful to chew and break down, and they can make your symptoms worse even if you’re already doing TMJ pain treatment. It’s best to eat soft foods, such as potatoes, oats, yogurt, and cooked meat and vegetables, that you know won’t cause problems.
Do….Practice Relaxation Techniques
Unintentional muscle clenching, especially in the TMJ and mouth region, due to stress or pain can deteriorate symptoms. Practice techniques such as meditation and yoga to reduce tension in your jaw and relax your mouth.
Do…Consider Getting a Night Guard
Grinding teeth together is a very common phenomenon that a night guard can fix. Even if it’s not the cause for your TMJ the guard will help separate your top and lower sets of teeth, which can relieve TMJ pain at night.
Do…Investigate: How does a mouthguard help TMJ?
While many discuss mouthguards’ effectiveness, understanding their mechanics and benefits can enlighten patients. It acts as a barrier, minimizing the adverse effects of grinding or clenching.
Do….Speak to a Dental Health Professional
If you’re dealing with TMJ dysfunction, speaking with a dental health professional to discuss your TMJ pain treatment options is important. There are different types of TMJ disorder treatments to decrease pain and restore the jaw’s normal function, from different types of surgery to muscle relaxers to pain relievers.
TMJ Mouth Guard Not Working: What to Know
When patients express “TMJ Mouth Guard Not Working,” diving deeper into their experience is essential. At Markham 7 Dental, we ensure,
- Customization is Key: We prioritize a perfect fit for everyone, ensuring maximum effectiveness.
- User Guidance: Proper usage instructions ensure the guard serves its purpose.
- Addressing Root Causes: Sometimes, underlying issues need addressing alongside mouth guard usage.
- Open Communication: We encourage patients to share their feedback, allowing us to make necessary adjustments or provide alternative solutions.
Remember, our commitment at Markham 7 Dental is to provide optimal relief and cater to individual needs.
At Markham 7 Dental, we have licensed professionals who understand TMJ disorders and offer TMJ treatment options. Book a consultation to discover your TMJ pain treatment options and determine what’s right for you.
