If you feel discomfort in your jaw or teeth whenever you bit down, smile, open your mouth wide, or talk, then you should visit a dentist to find out if you have TMJ disorder. Temporomandibular joint disorder or TMJ disorder is a condition where you feel pain or discomfort in jaw bone usually as a result of missing or crooked teeth, face injury, teeth grinding, stress, or a jaw misalignment. It can be incredibly bothersome and some people find that it affects multiple aspects of their life, including their social life and their sleep schedule. Fortunately, many treatment options exist for people suffering from TMJ disorder in Saskatoon.
Reduce your stress.
Oftentimes, stress and anxieties can trigger or exacerbate TMJ disorder, which means you can manage and prevent your pain by reducing your stress levels. Find safe and enjoyable activities that help you relax and address any mental health concern that you might have. Talk to your dentist about what types of relaxing activities can be especially beneficial for easing pain.
Protect your teeth.
A dental expert can help you find a mouth-guard or a splint that can protect your mouth and face. A mouth-guard will primarily protect your teeth and gums from injury. You only need a splint if you have a face injury that is triggering jaw pain. The splint can stabilize an injury to reduce the pressure on your jaw. You should also listen to everything healthcare providers tells you about preventing health concerns related to your teeth and jaws. For example, you will probably be told to ensure that you have good dental hygiene habits and to follow all instructions from an orthodontist about correcting any crooked teeth.
Consider drugs.
Many different types of medications exist for TMJ disorder. Some of these drugs will target any inflammatory response in your body that is putting pressure on your jaw, some will sedate you and help you to relax, and some will simply act as a painkiller. Some of the pills will be over-the-counter, but you might need a prescription for a few of the drugs, so talk to a healthcare provider about finding the best types of TMJ disorder medications.
TMJ disorder is very common and it can definitely be extremely painful. Therefore, if you have any of the symptoms, you should visit your dentist to get diagnosed. Once you are diagnosed, you can start to explore treatment options that work best for you.
