Things That Make TMJ Worse According to a Dentist
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) is a common condition affecting millions worldwide. TMJ can cause various symptoms, including pain, stiffness, and difficulty chewing or speaking. While several factors can contribute to the development of TMJ, it’s important to understand what can worsen symptoms.
Factors that Worsen TMJ Symptoms and Treatments for Pain Relief
If you suffer from TMJ, it’s important to understand the factors that can worsen your symptoms. Here are some common triggers to watch out for and ways to provide relief.
Age
Age is an important factor that can affect TMJ symptoms. As we age, the risk of developing TMJ symptoms increases, with older adults more likely to experience chronic pain and discomfort in the jaw joint. TMJ disorders are more common in adults aged 20 to 40, with women more likely to develop the condition than men.
Changes in the jaw joint over time, including wear and tear on the cartilage that cushions the joint, can contribute to developing TMJ symptoms. In addition, age-related conditions such as arthritis and osteoporosis can increase the risk of TMJ pain and discomfort.
Early Medical Intervention
The treatment options for TMJ symptoms may differ depending on the age and severity of the condition. In general, early intervention is key to preventing TMJ symptoms from worsening. Oral appliances, physical treatment, and lifestyle changes can help lessen jaw joint tension.
Stress
Stress is a common trigger for TMJ symptoms. When we experience stress, our muscles, including those in the jaw and neck, tend to tighten. It can lead to muscle tension and discomfort in the jaw joint. Also, stress can contribute to teeth grinding and clenching, further exacerbating TMJ symptoms.
Develop Healthy Mechanism
Finding techniques to minimize stress levels to effectively manage TMJ symptoms related to stress is crucial. It can include practices like meditation or deep breathing exercises and developing healthy coping mechanisms for managing stress.
Trauma that causes TMJ Worse
Trauma, such as a car accident or sports injury, can also contribute to the development of TMJ. When the jaw joint is impacted, it can cause inflammation and muscle tension that lead to TMJ symptoms. Also, trauma can cause jaw misalignment, further exacerbating TMJ symptoms.
Take Proper Precautions
It’s important to protect the jaw joint during activities with a risk of impact to prevent and manage TMJ symptoms related to trauma. It can include wearing mouthguards during sports or taking precautions while driving to avoid collisions.
Poor Posture
Poor posture can contribute to muscle tension and jaw discomfort, worsening TMJ symptoms. Holding our head and neck in a forward position places extra stress on the muscles that control jaw movement, leading to tension and pain in the jaw joint.
Work Out the Pain
It’s important to develop good posture habits to improve posture and reduce TMJ symptoms. It includes practicing exercises to strengthen the neck and upper back muscles and taking daily breaks to adjust posture and stretch.
Diet
Diet can also impact TMJ symptoms. Foods high in sugar and processed ingredients can contribute to inflammation in the body, worsening TMJ symptoms. Also, hard or chewy foods can stress the jaw joint, leading to muscle tension and pain.
Eating for Relief
To alleviate TMJ symptoms linked to diet, it’s important to make dietary changes that promote inflammation reduction and jaw health, and it includes incorporating anti-inflammatory foods, such as leafy greens, omega-3 fatty acids, and turmeric, into one’s diet. Additionally, avoiding hard or chewy foods can reduce stress on the jaw joint and prevent worsening symptoms.
Understanding the factors that can worsen TMJ symptoms can help individuals manage their condition more effectively. Individuals can take proactive steps to reduce TMJ symptoms and improve their quality of life by addressing stress, trauma, poor posture, and diet. Seeking professional help from a healthcare provider or dentist can also be instrumental in developing an effective treatment plan for managing TMJ symptoms.
Contact Vista Family Dentistry for TMJ relief and treatment.
If you are experiencing temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) symptoms, seeking professional help from a dentist or healthcare provider is essential. At Vista Family Dentistry, we offer comprehensive TMJ treatment and relief options to help you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Our team of experienced dentists and healthcare professionals will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your individual needs. It may include using oral appliances, such as mouthguards or splints, to improve jaw alignment and reduce teeth grinding and clenching. Physical therapy may also be recommended to improve muscle strength and flexibility, reducing strain on the jaw joint.
In addition to these treatment options, our team can guide lifestyle changes that can help reduce TMJ symptoms, including stress management techniques, dietary changes, and exercises to improve posture and minimize muscle tension.
Vista Family Dentistry is committed to providing our patients with the highest quality care and support for TMJ symptoms. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and get started toward TMJ relief and treatment.