What Is TMJ?

Found on both sides of your head and in front of your ears, the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are hinges that connect your lower jaw to your skull. The TMJ joints play a vital role in allowing you to eat, yawn, speak, and open and close your jaw. Things that can trigger TMJ disorder include teeth grinding, trauma, and stress. Keep reading to learn more about TMJ disorder.

What Are the Common Symptoms of TMJ Disorder?

TMJ disorder is more common among women than men and people between the ages of 20 and 40. Some common symptoms of TMJ disorder are as follows:

●       Headaches

●       Jaw pain

●       Pain in the shoulders or neck

●       Earaches

●       Pain in one or both temporomandibular joints

●       Jaws that “lock” in the closed or open mouth position

●       Difficulty opening your mouth wide

●       Aching facial pain

●       Grating, popping, or clicking sounds when you open or close your mouth

Treatments for TMJ Disorder

If you have been diagnosed with TMJ disorder, your healthcare provider might recommend conservative treatments. Here is a list of nonsurgical remedies to treat your TMJ disorder:

●       Eat Soft Foods: Avoid hard and crunchy foods and add mashed potatoes, yogurt, scrambled eggs, soup, cottage cheese, beans, grains, fish, vegetables, and fruits to your diet.

●       Apply Cold Packs or Moist Heat: Take an ice bag and compress it with the side of your face for ten minutes.

●       Avoid Extreme Jaw Movement: Make sure to keep chewing and yawning to the bare minimum. Do not sing, yell or force your jaw wide open.

●       Keep Your Teeth Slightly Apart: To control grinding or clenching, put your tongue between your teeth.

Are You Looking for an Orthodontist in Rapid City?

TMJ dysfunction is a medical condition that can cause several issues. The professionals at Orthodontics of The Black Hills are dedicated to helping you get pain-free smiles that last a lifetime. Click here to request an appointment today!