The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is an important part of the body. It is the joint that attaches your lower jaw (the mandible) to the skull so that you can talk, chew, and move your mouth in other ways. When this joint is painful, it is called Temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMD. This can lead to pain in the jaw and other health problems. If you feel discomfort, then TMJ guards near you can be used to protect the jaw and decrease the strain.
Common Symptoms of TMJ Disorders
Those people who have TMJ disorders may have the following symptoms:
- Jaw pain or tenderness—The pain is usually on the jaw and may occur on either the right or left side.
- Clicking or popping sounds—One may hear popping noises in the jaw when they open or close their mouth.
- Difficulty chewing – It becomes painful to eat.
- Locking of the jaw—The jaw may get ‘stuck’ in an open or closed position.
- Headaches and ear pain—The pain from the jaw travels to the head and ears.
How TMJ Affects Overall Health?
Having TMJ disorder does not only affect the jaw. It can also affect your overall health, including:
1. Difficulty Eating
Pain in the jaw makes it hard to chew food properly. Some people do not consume hard or chewy foods because of this.
2. Chronic Headaches
This can cause regular headaches that can be quite uncomfortable, and all this due to tight jaw muscles.
3. Ear and Hearing Problems
TMJ problems can cause ringing in the ears (tinnitus) or mild hearing loss.
4. Neck and Shoulder Pain
Since the jaw muscles are connected to the neck and shoulders, TMJ problems may cause tension and pain in these areas.
5. Sleep Issues
Some people with TMJ disorder have trouble sleeping due to jaw pain or teeth grinding at night.
Can TMJ Cause Other Health Problems?
Yes, TMJ disorders can lead to other health issues. Since the jaw joint is close to nerves and muscles in the head and neck, problems with the TMJ can cause:
- TMJ pain may trigger tension headaches or even migraines.
- The muscles in the neck and shoulders may become tense due to jaw issues.
- Some people experience earaches, ringing in the ears, or dizziness.
- TMJ disorders can cause people to clench or grind their teeth, which may lead to tooth damage.
If TMJ is not treated, the pain may get worse and affect daily life.
How to Cure TMJ Permanently?
While there is no single cure for TMJ, different treatments can help manage the condition. Some people may need a combination of treatments for long-term relief.
Home Remedies
- Apply ice or heat packs – Ice can reduce swelling, while heat relaxes the muscles.
- Eat soft foods – Avoid the intake of hard or chewy foods to reduce strain on the jaw.
- Practice jaw exercises – Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises may help.
Professional Treatments
- Mouth guards—A professional may recommend a custom mouthguard to prevent teeth grinding.
- Medication – Pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, or muscle relaxants may help.
- Physical therapy—A professional can teach exercises to improve jaw movement.
- Orthodontic treatment—If a misaligned bite is the cause, braces or other treatments may help.
- Surgery—In severe cases, surgery may be needed to repair the jaw joint.
When to See a Professional?
If TMJ pain does not improve with home care, it is important to see a professional or orthodontist. They can find the cause of the problem and recommend the best treatment, such as using TMJ guards in NE Calgary to reduce pressure on the jaw and prevent further discomfort.
Protect Your Jaw and Improve Your Health with Expert Care!
At Totally Orthodontics, we provide expert care to help you achieve a healthy and straight smile. Our team offers orthodontics in Calgary, such as braces, clear aligners, and other solutions to correct misaligned teeth and jaw problems. We focus on comfort and long-term oral health for children, teens, and adults.
Visit Totally Orthodontics today for a healthier smile!
