TMD: Tips to Treat & Prevent

premier • December 27, 2021

Opening and closing your mouth probably isn’t something you think much about unless you experience pain or discomfort when you do. If opening and closing your mouth to eat or speak is difficult or painful, you may suffer from TMJ or TMD. Luckily, treating and preventing flare-ups in the future is possible. Here’s what you should know about relieving TMD pain before scheduling a free consultation with the knowledgeable team at South Holston Dental Designs.

What is TMD?

TMJ is a condition that refers to the temporomandibular joint that connects the base of your skull to your jawbone. Ideally, this joint would move smoothly back and forth every time you open or close to your mouth. Unfortunately,  temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) are relatively common and can cause many unpleasant symptoms, including:

  • Pain or discomfort when chewing, opening, or closing your mouth
  • Tenderness around your jaw
  • Facial swelling or discomfort
  • Ear pain
  • Popping or clicking noises when your move your jaw

What Causes TMD?

TMD can be caused by a variety of factors, such as:

  • Stress
  • Teeth grinding or clenching
  • Jaw injury
  • Arthritis

Treating & Preventing

TMJ pain may seem never-ending or unavoidable, but the good news is it can be treated and prevented in most patients. If you’re currently experiencing TMJ symptoms resting your jaw, eating soft foods, and alternating between ice and heat can help. To reduce your chances of experiencing a TMJ flare-up again, keep these tips in mind:

  • Wear a mouth guard if your grind your teeth
  • Use both sides of your mouth to chew
  • Avoid eating foods that require lots of chewing

For more tips to protect your oral health and live a healthy life for years to come, the trusted team at South Holston Dental Designs is here to help. Contact us today to schedule your routine dental exam and professional cleaning!

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