Suffering from TMD, or temporomandibular joint disorders, can be extremely uncomfortable and painful, often interfering in important daily functions, such as chewing and talking, making treating and preventing TMD very critical.
Understanding TMD
TMD is a condition that involves trouble with your jaw and face muscles, resulting from a problem in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This joint connects the temporal bones in your skull in front of each ear, to your jaw, which enables you to talk, yawn, and chew by allowing your mouth to move.
Women are typically at a higher risk for TMD and is most common among adults between the ages of 20 and 40 years.
There are several other risk factors for TMJ disorders, including the following.
- Arthritis in the jaw area
- Excessive tooth grinding
- Stress
Understanding The Symptoms of TMD
Symptoms of TMD can make it impossible for you to eat or speak, often causing unbearable pain or discomfort that can last a short while, or can be experienced for years.
Here are the most common symptoms of TMD:
- Achey or tired facial muscles
- Locked jaw
- Grating or popping sounds when you open and close your mouth
- Pain in the mouth, jaw, neck, or shoulders
Tips To Prevent TMD
Preventing TMD can be difficult, but achievable. By reducing risk factors, such as wearing a night guard if you grind your teeth, better managing your stress, relaxing your jaw muscles, and avoid chewing gum, you can help to make your TMD issues dissipate, or even disappear.
Contact Beauty Smile Orthodontics to learn how we can help you with your orthodontic needs today!