Dental Health: 4 Leading Causes of TMJ
Facial expressions such as smiling, laughing, chatting, and chewing are all everyday actions that you regularly perform with little to no conscious thinking. However, if you suffer from temporomandibular joint dysfunction (also known as TMJ), even the simplest movements could cause significant discomfort.
What is temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ)?
The temporomandibular joints are the attachment points for the muscles and ligaments that control jaw and mouth movement. Clicking and locking the jaw, headaches, neck pain, and ringing in the ears are all symptoms of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) diseases like arthritis, dislocation, injury, or infection.
Though many people experience temporary discomfort when exercising their facial muscles, TMD can become chronic in some and be exacerbated by habits including clenching, biting, swallowing, and grinding teeth.
Prevalent Causes of TMJ
For many people, TMJ disorder symptoms tend to flare up temporarily and then fade over a few days. More severe cases that cause ongoing discomfort or swelling may require professional treatment to maintain jaw function and a satisfactory quality of life.
TMJ issue is the most prevalent cause of severe jaw discomfort, while several potential causes exist. Various lifestyle and physical factors can cause joint swelling and muscular strain.
Jaw and Teeth Misalignments
Problems with the jaw joint are common in people whose jaws and teeth are not correctly positioned. Injuries and congenital disabilities involving the jaw are two of the most common causes of jaw misalignment. When one’s teeth aren’t correctly aligned, they don’t fit together the way they should, which can lead to an underbite or overbite.
TMJ disorder can develop from either of these conditions. However, if you are self-conscious about your uneven teeth, you can visit a dentist Waterloo, that offers Invisalign to straighten your teeth in an almost invisible manner.
Arthritis
Arthritis can occur in any joint for a variety of causes. TMJs are common in those with rheumatoid arthritis, a condition characterized by chronic inflammation of the joints. If you have jaw pain and suspect arthritis is to blame, a skilled emergency dentist that provides TMJ Sault Ste. Marie can diagnose the problem and recommend a treatment strategy.
Stress
The detrimental effects of stress on the body are a significant issue in modern culture. Trauma can cause genuine physical reactions; one of those is the TMJ problem. Joint pain and stiffness can be caused by chronic muscle strain in the neck, shoulders, and head. Lack of sleep and clenching/gnashing teeth are common responses to stress that can exacerbate existing problems.
Because dental surgery may be necessary in extreme cases of TMJ, it is essential not to ignore any swelling in the body parts mentioned above.
Eating Habits
those with TMJ disorder should avoid chewy foods. Extreme chewing and muscle exhaustion can lead to a painful skin rash. Soft meals, smaller bits, and avoiding chewing gum are all recommended so that patients can avoid further deterioration of their condition.
In addition, TMJ problem is frequently brought on by a misaligned bite by recent dental work like fillings or dentures. Sedation dentistry North Vancouver specializes in sedation, and denture care might help you prevent this problem.
Bottomline
Even though many factors can bring on a TMJ condition, many commonplace occurrences can bring abrupt flare-ups. When patients know the most prevalent triggers for their symptoms, they can take preventative measures to reduce discomfort and inflammation.
