TMD/TMJ Treatment in McAllen, TX
If opening and closing your mouth causes you pain, normal activities, such as speaking and eating, become extremely difficult. For people with TMJ/TMD, they know all too well how debilitating jaw pain can be. Living with TMJ/TMD can feel like a never-ending battle with inconvenient and sometimes chronic pain, but finding relief is possible. Here’s what you should know about TMJ treatment from the experts at Senan Orthodontic Studios.
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Overview of TMJ/TMD
TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint that connects your jaw bone to the base of your skull. This joint moves back and forth to allow your jaw to move smoothly in every direction. Because this joint is used almost constantly throughout the day, temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) are not uncommon and can contribute to discomfort in one’s jaw and the surrounding area that ranges from mild to severe.
Common Symptoms of TMJ/TMD Include:
- Jaw pain, discomfort, or tenderness
- Difficulty chewing, opening, or closing your mouth
- Facial discomfort or swelling
- Pain in or behind your ear
- Clicking or popping noises when you move your jaw
While some TMJ/TMD symptoms may be mild, temporary, or eventually resolve on their own, it’s best to seek treatment from a medical or dental professional if you experience discomfort that is severe, long-lasting, or progresses over time.
What Causes TMJ/TMD?
TMJ/TMD can be caused by a number of factors, including:
- Grinding or clenching your teeth
- Head, neck, or jaw injury
- Arthritis
- Stress-induced jaw tightening
While TMJ/TMD may be an unavoidable condition for some people, particularly those with conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, there are steps others can take to reduce their chances of developing TMJ/TMD, including:
- Wearing a mouth guard if you grind or clench your teeth
- Avoiding foods that require a lot of chewing or biting inedible objects, such as ice
- Chewing on both sides of your mouth
- Not putting pressure on your temporomandibular joint by resting your hand on your chin for long periods of time
TMJ Treatment
The good news is there are several TMJ/TMD treatment options available for people suffering from jaw pain. For many people, TMJ/TMD pain is managed and resolved at home by simply implementing certain lifestyle changes, such as eating soft foods, resting their jaw as much as possible, and alternating between ice and moist heat when TMJ/TMD symptoms occur.
Another effective way to treat TMJ/TMD pain is to diagnose and manage any other medical conditions that could be putting undue stress on the temporomandibular joint. For instance, if your TMJ/TMD pain is a result of arthritis, managing your arthritis will likely eliminate your jaw pain as well. Managing stress is also an effective approach to keep TMJ/TMD discomfort at bay for people who are prone to clenching their jaws in stressful situations. In some cases where the person’s temporomandibular joint is damaged, surgery may be necessary.
Senan Orthodontic Studios Can Help Treat Your TMJ/TMD
Everyone deserves to live a healthy, comfortable life without having to worry about if their jaw is going to lock up, make strange noises, or cause them pain. If you are suffering from the discomfort, inconvenience, and embarrassment that comes with TMJ/TMD, it’s important to seek professional orthodontic care sooner rather than later. The experienced team at Senan Orthodontic Studios can diagnose and help you find relief from jaw pain caused by TMJ/TMD quickly and easily. Are you interested in learning more about TMJ treatment? Contact our office to schedule your consultation and take the first step to regain your quality of life today!