In order to ensure your smile has the greatest chance of success, always make sure no pain is present in any areas of your mouth. This includes your jaw. If your temporomandibular joints, also called your TMJ’s, are experiencing any pain, it may be linked to an underlying condition known as a TMJ disorder. If you think you are suffering from a TMJ disorder, it is important to be aware of the causes and treatments for it.
Don’t ever be afraid to seek out the necessary treatment to ensure the protection of your face and jaw. If you have sustained a TMJ disorder, it will be necessary to apply appropriate treatments to help relieve pressure and negate any pain that may be associated with it. For alleviating pain temporarily, heat and ice packs can be used depending on your needs. In addition, it is important to focus on stress relievers to help minimize the mental aspect of the pain. This includes practices and techniques such as yoga, meditation, and listening to calming music.
You may need to adjust your diet until your TMJ disorders go away. This includes eliminating foods that are too chewy and tough for your mouth to withstand. In addition, it is essential to practice facial exercises that are designed to strengthen your jaw.
If you require further treatments, a visit to your dentist may be necessary for an oral appliance. To help alleviate pressure during the night or to keep your smile safe, night guards and bite plates are two wonderful options to consider.
If you would like more information about night guards and bite plates, or if you would like to schedule an appointment with Jacob S. Miller, DDS, you can call us at 616-364-7039. Dr. Jacob Miller and our entire team here at our dentist office in Grand Rapids, Michigan, look forward to seeing you.