Something is wrong with the jaw: Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders are a condition common with our generation that may easily be overlooked; TMJ can lead to chronic jaw pain and headaches and interfere with daily activities like chewing and talking. If you identify with these symptoms, a TMJ specialist in Burnaby may help restore comfort and function. In this article, we will explore what causes TMJ disorders, how they can be treated, and the specialists in Burnaby that will help ease your symptoms.
Understanding TMJ disorders
The temporomandibular joint connects the bottom jaw (mandible) with the upper jaw or diameter of the skull, which is essential for movement and activities. Issues with this joint can lead to a condition known as temporomandibular disorder.
TMJ symptoms range from mild to severe and may include:
Jaw pain or tenderness
1. Cracking or popping sounds when moving the mouth.
2. Trouble chewing or speaking
3. Facial pain and headaches
4. Earache, or the sensation of ear pressure
5. Locking of the jaw
Signs that you need a Burnaby TMJ specialist
If you experience persistent tooth pain, sounds of clicking in the jaw, or movement of the jaw is limited, you should consult a doctor. A TMJ specialist in Burnaby can be able to diagnose the condition and recommend a proper treatment plan. TMJ specialists are often dentists, physiotherapists, or maxillary surgeons with specialized training in treating TMJ disorders.
TMJ disorder treatment choices
The proper treatment for TMJ varies based on the symptoms you're experiencing and the underlying cause of your symptoms. Common treatment options include the most common, and it works:
Lifestyle and home remedies
Jaw exercise: Involves gentle stretching movements and muscle-strengthening around your joint to increase mobility.
Professional treatments
Dental splints or mouth guards: If teeth clenching or grinding causes TMJ, custom-fit oral appliances can prevent you from engaging in the behavior and help realign your jaw.
Physiotherapy: A physiotherapist with expertise in TMJ can use hands-on techniques and postural exercises to teach you techniques you can utilize during daily activities to allow for more effective jaw movement.
Medication: Individuals may be prescribed over-the-counter pain relievers, anti-inflammatory agents, and muscle relaxants to a level of tolerance that manages pain.
Botox injections: Botox may sometimes help relax the muscles in the jaw, which is helpful for tension-related pain.
Orthodontic care: If your TMJ issues are caused by misaligned teeth or bite problems, your dentist might recommend braces or Invisalign to straighten your teeth!
How to prevent TMJ issues
Understanding what risk factors you have can also guide you in preventing disease before it starts. While it's true that the causes behind TMJ disorders can sometimes be beyond a person's control, there are ways to avoid it:
1. Chewing gum that is not too late to spit out.
2. Good posture is needed to help prevent compressing the jaw.
3. Looking for teeth grinding and treatment if relevant.
4. Utilize relaxation techniques to reduce mental and emotional fatigue.
Final thoughts
Though TMJ disorders can disrupt everyday activities, appropriate treatment may help relieve symptoms. A TMJ specialist in Burnaby can help you determine the best course of treatment to begin your road to restoring function and quality of life if you are living with jaw pain or discomfort. Using gentle non-surgical therapies or more complex treatment methods provided by Burnaby specialists will help ease you into comfortable jaw health.
Jacob Martin is the author of this Article: To know more about tmj specialist burnaby please visit the website.
