Methods To Diminish Symptoms Associated With TMD

DISTINCTIONS AMONG TMJ AND TMD
The abbreviations used in the blog are very much alike, so it may get confusing. Let’s take a moment to evaluate the meaning of TMJ and TMD. Most often referred to as TMJ, the temporomandibular joints are the two moving hinge joints linking your mandible (jawbone) with the rest of your skull. If one or both of your TMJ become inflated or cause discomfort, it is referred to as a temporomandibular joint disorder or TMD. To recap, TMJ is the joints in your jaw, and TMD is a disorder with your TMJ.

INDICATIONS OF TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT DISORDER
Symptoms of TMD can vary from minor discomfort to severe pain. If you recognize side effects of temporomandibular joint disorder and discuss them with your dental professional, your treatment plan may be less invasive. When you recognize one or more of the following symptoms, arrange an examination with your skilled dentist in Charlotte, NC as early as possible:

• ISSUES WHEN MOVING YOUR JAW
  As TMD progresses, it may appear as if your jaw is rigid and will not comfortably open or shut. In this case, it’s necessary to schedule an emergency visit with your dentist to undergo treatment.
• PAIN WITH EATING OR TALKING
  When it is difficult or uncomfortable for you to eat or talk, you may be experiencing TMD. This may become even worse over time, so you should meet with your dental professional as early as possible.
• NOISES AS YOUR JAW OPEN AND CLOSES
  In combination with discomfort and problems when moving your jaw joints, you may notice a clicking or popping sound when you open and/or shut your mouth.
• TENDER, SWOLLEN JAW
  If you touch along your jawbone, it may be inflated or sore if you have temporomandibular joint disorder. This may make it complicated to chew or talk.
• PAIN IN YOUR TMJ OR EARS
  The TMJ is located right by your ear, so if you experience TMD, it may lead to pain in and near your ears.

CAUSES OF TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT DISORDER
The cause of TMD changes between patients, as there are various instances in which TMD may occur. One of the most prevalent is arthritis in or trauma to your jaw. Bite issues, known as malocclusion, may also be to blame. If biting down normally, the teeth should come together and be positioned evenly, so the jaw can shut with ease. High points on your existing teeth or a dental restoration (crown, bridge, or dentures) can hinder this and adversely impact the way your jaw functions. Bruxism, a disorder characterized as tightening the jaw in addition to grinding your teeth either during the day or while sleeping (nocturnal bruxism), can create swelling due to overworking the jaw muscles, leading to TMD. It may shock some patients in Charlotte, NC to find out that even habitual gum chewing may result in a flare-up of temporomandibular joint disorder.

DIAGNOSING TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT DISORDER
Though there is no standardized test used to diagnose TMD, the dentists at DentalWorks – Charlotte can perform a complete oral health examination for patients who notice jaw pain. Commonly, oral exams include an assessment of jaw movement to determine any evidence of clenching, alignment issues, grinding, tenderness, or swelling. Advanced imaging, such as comprehensive digital x-rays, could also allow your dentist to properly diagnose TMD and allow them to construct the appropriate plan for treatment.

TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT DISORDER TREATMENTS
Remedies for your temporomandibular joint disorder side effects will be customized depending on the cause of the disorder and the amount of your discomfort. Your dental professional will thoroughly detect your TMD prior to creating a treatment process. This may consist of one or more professional treatments for long-term outcomes, as well as suggestions for at-home remedies that will result in quicker, short-term relief from your TMD symptoms.

• AN ORTHODONTIC METHOD
  Issues with bite alignment, also referred to as dental malocclusion, can put pressure on your jaw joints bringing about TMD. In order to diminish the stress on your jaw and offer you a straighter smile, your skilled dentist may suggest orthodontic care. Based upon your concerns and goals, this may entail conventional metal braces or the more cutting-edge approach, Invisalign. Utilizing clear, removable aligners, the modern Invisalign process carefully moves your teeth into their proper placement with none of the drawbacks of traditional braces. To learn more regarding Invisalign, arrange a consultation with the experienced dentists at our Charlotte, NC facility.
• NIGHT TIME GUARD
  A lot of people live with nocturnal bruxism, a disorder that means they clench their jaw and grind their teeth while sleeping. This can bring about swelling and pain in your TMJ. A custom night guard made by your dental professional can help hold your jaw in the correct position as you sleep and protect your teeth from the wear of grinding.
• AT-HOME REMEDIES
  TMD sufferers may do various remedies on their own in order to help care for TMJ pain and side effects. In regard to eating, adding soft foods which are less difficult to chew will reduce overuse of the jaw. Hot and cold packs applied to the jaw area may reduce pain, in addition to non-prescription anti-inflammatory medications such as Advil. In some instances, your dental profession may give you a prescription for anti-anxiety medications, as well as muscle relaxants if your TMJ are difficult to move or you are tightening your jaw during the day in regard to stress and anxiety.
• CHECK YOUR POSTURE
  An additional solution for relieving TMD discomfort involves formulating small improvements within your posture. For instance, keep from supporting your chin within your hand as this placement puts extra stress on the jawbone. Also, work on sitting with your back situated on a chair back in order to refrain from slouching. It may help to diminish anxiety levels by practicing multiple relaxation and meditation techniques, such as breathing techniques.

ELIMINATE YOUR TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT DISCOMFORT
Patients in Charlotte, NC who have jaw discomfort or other indications of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), we invite you to reach out to your dental professional to set up an oral health evaluation and consultation. At DentalWorks – Charlotte in Charlotte, NC we offer a diagnosis of TMD and many treatment methods. Our team of dentists seek to help each patient improve their oral health so they may experience a bright, healthy smile they can display without discomfort.