Methods To Diminish Signs Of TMD

CARE IS ACCESSIBLE FOR THOSE STRUGGLING WITH TMD
Within a day you utilize your jaw various times. Because of this reason, irritation in your jaw may be a significant difficulty. Throughout this article, we examine the condition known as TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder), which results in pain in your jaw. For individuals in Anderson, SC who have TMD, there are a variety of innovative treatments that can help reduce your symptoms and determine the root cause. If you experience recurrent pain in your jaw, as well as difficulties opening and closing your mouth, call DentalWorks – Anderson to arrange a thorough oral health examination with our team of trained dental professionals. Let’s start by finding out more about TMD and TMJ…

DISTINCTIONS BETWEEN TMJ AND TMD
The initials utilized in the article are similar, therefore, it could get difficult to understand. Let’s take a minute to evaluate the definition of TMJ and TMD. Most often referred to as TMJ for short, the temporomandibular joints exist as the two sliding hinge joints linking your mandible (jawbone) to the other parts of your skull. When one or both of these joints become inflated or cause pain, it is referred to as a temporomandibular joint disorder, otherwise known as TMD. In short, TMJ is your jaw joint, and TMD is a disorder with your TMJ.

INDICATIONS OF TMD
side effects of TMD may range from minor discomfort to significant pain. If you notice side effects of TMD and talk about them with your dentist, your treatment process could be less invasive. If you recognize any of the following issues, arrange an appointment with your experienced dentist in Anderson, SC as soon as possible:

  • PAIN WITH CHEWING OR SPEAKING
    If it is hard or painful for you to chew or speak, you could have TMD. This can get even worse with time; therefore, you should meet with your dentist as soon as possible.
  • SOUNDS WHEN YOUR JAW MOVES
    In combination with pain and problems when moving your jaw, you might hear a clicking or popping noise as you open or close your mouth.
  • SORENESS IN YOUR TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINTS OR EARS
    The temporomandibular joint is positioned right by your ear, therefore, when you have TMD, it could lead to discomfort in and around your ears.
  • ISSUES WHEN OPENING OR CLOSING YOUR MOUTH
    As TMD develops, it may feel like your jaw is rigid and will not comfortably open or close. At this point, it’s necessary to make an emergency appointment with your dental professional to undergo treatment.
  • SORE, INFLAMED JAW
    When you feel along your jaw, it may feel inflated or tender if you have TMD. This can make it complicated to eat or speak.

SOURCES OF TMD
The reason for TMD changes from patient to patient, because there are various reasons why TMD can develop. One of the most prevalent is arthritis in or an injury to your jawbone. A misaligned bite, referred to as malocclusion, might also be a cause. When biting down properly, the teeth should meet together and rest in alignment, so the mouth can close with ease. High spots on your natural teeth or a dental restoration, such as a crown, bridge, or denture may hinder this and negatively affect how your jaw operates. Bruxism, a disorder identified as clenching the jaw and grinding the teeth either throughout the day or at night (nocturnal bruxism), could create inflammation due to overusing the jaw muscles, causing TMD. It can surprise some people in Anderson, SC to find out that even excessive gum chewing can result in a flare-up of TMD.

RECOGNIZING TMD
Though there is no consistent test available to detect TMD, the dental professionals at DentalWorks – Anderson will provide a complete oral health evaluation on patients who notice jaw discomfort. Commonly, oral exams consist of an evaluation of jaw movement in order to determine any signs of jaw clenching, misalignment, grinding, soreness, or inflammation. Imaging, including full-mouth digital x-rays, could also help your dentist to accurately identify TMD and help them to construct the best course of treatment.

TMD REMEDIES
Remedies for your TMD symptoms will be personalized based on the reason for the condition and the level of your pain. Your dentist will thoroughly diagnose your TMD before creating a treatment plan. This could include one or several professional treatments for lasting outcomes, along with recommendations for home methods that can result in faster, short-term alleviation from your TMD complications.

  • EVALUATE YOUR POSTURE
    Another solution for alleviating TMD pain includes formulating simple enhancements to your posture. For example, keep from resting your chin on your hand since this position places extra pressure on the jaw. Additionally, try sitting with your back pressed on a chair back to refrain from slouching. It might help to diminish stress levels overall by practicing multiple relaxation and meditation methods, including breathing exercises.
  • HOME THERAPIES
    TMD sufferers can do numerous things at home to help care for TMJ discomfort and symptoms. When it comes to diet, consuming soft foods that are easy to chew can reduce wear and tear on the jaw. Heat and ice packs placed on the jaw area can reduce discomfort, as well as over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, including Advil. In some cases, your dentist might prescribe anti-anxiety medications and muscle relaxants if your jaw joints are difficult to move or you are clenching your jaw throughout the day in regard to stress and anxiety.
  • NIGHT GUARD
    A lot of people have nocturnal bruxism, a condition that means they tighten their jaw and grind their teeth at night. This may bring about inflammation and discomfort in your jaw joints. A personalized night guard created by your dentist may help hold your jaw in the proper position while you sleep and defend your teeth against the effects of grinding.
  • AN ORTHODONTIC METHOD
    Misalignment, commonly known as dental malocclusion, may put stress on your TMJ bringing about TMD. To diminish the pressure on your jaw joints and offer you a more even smile, your experienced dentist might recommend orthodontic treatment. Depending on your needs and goals, this could entail traditional metal braces or the even more cutting-edge option, Invisalign. Using invisible, removable aligners, the modern Invisalign system gently shifts your teeth into their appropriate position without the hindrances of metal braces. To discover more about Invisalign, arrange an appointment with the dental professionals at our Anderson, SC office.

ELIMINATE YOUR TMJ PAIN
Individuals in Anderson, SC who notice jaw pain or other indications of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), we encourage you to contact your dentist to set up an oral health examination and consultation. At DentalWorks – Anderson in Anderson, SC we provide a diagnosis of TMD, as well as many treatment options. Our team of dental professionals seek to help every patient enhance their oral health so they can have a comfortable, restored smile they can show off without pain.