The impact of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder
on your bite can subsequently lead to other problems
such as muscle pains, malocclusion, and tooth
mobility. This can greatly affect the longevity of
your smile as well.
A TMJ disorder is a major
problem that prevents you from having a stable bite
and a proper occlusion. When you're suffering from a
TMJ syndrome, the joint that connect your upper and
lower jaw is misaligned. This misalignment can cause
pain in your jaw, face, neck, and shoulders.
There are TMJ treatment options you can choose
from to restore the alignment of your upper and
lower jaw. Once your specific TMJ condition is
determined, you can use mouth guards or undergo TMJ
exercises and bite therapy.
Doctors change the terms
TMJ therapy or TMJ
treatment interchangeably, which includes several
options. On the first level, the treatment aims at
pain relief by applying mouth guards or dental
splints. In the next level, bite therapy principles
are used to pinpoint the cause of the misalignment.
Using a TMJ mouth guard cannot be a panacea to
the TMJ symptom. People who suffer from TMJ have
weak joints. While it is true that a TMJ mouth guard
can relieve them from pain, using the mouth guard
can damage the join if used too often. Also, be wary
of the consequences of using a TMJ mouth guard.
Using one means you need to open your mouth all
night thereby allowing the entrance of harmful
bacteria into your mouth.
The use of mouth guards is not also recommended
if the TMJ syndrome is due to hereditary causes or
trauma. Other TMJ treatment such as
TMJ exercises
can be helpful in relieving the pain and
strengthening the weakened joints.
TMJ or jaw exercises are done to relax the jaw
and prevent them from clenching. Restoring the upper
and lower jaw back to their normal alignment can be
possible by performing TMJ exercises. This cannot be
done on a whim though. Consultation with a dentist
is always necessary. Dentists usually provide
patients with appropriate TMJ exercises since each
set would be different to meet your particular
condition.
Use a mirror when performing a TMJ exercise to
control your joint movement. The exercises will
eventually help you control your jaw muscles and
prevent jaw clenching.
The last
TMJ treatment available is called the
TMJ bite therapy. Dentists use this process to
locate or pinpoint the cause of a TMJ syndrome since
they usually differ according to the patient's
personal circumstances. When successfully
implemented, a TMJ bite therapy can provide
long-term pain relief. Causes can vary from stress
and just a bad habit that promotes jaw clenching.
These TMJ treatments are proven to be beneficial.
In choosing the right treatment, consult a dentist
in your area and make sure that you disclose all
information related to the condition of your jaw.
This will make it easier for the dentist to find the
appropriate TMJ treatment for you.
