TMJ/TMD Awareness: How to Guard Against Facial Pain
November is National TMJ/TMD Awareness Month. Facial pain affects 35 million Americans and is most likely caused by the temporomandibular joints (TMJ). Located on each side of your head, these joints connect your upper and lower jaw allowing you to open and close your mouth and your lower jaw to move side to side, and backward and forward.
TMJ also known as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) can be caused by arthritis, dislocation, injury, tooth and jaw alignment, and stress and teeth grinding.
Some symptoms include: ear pain that resembles an earache; headaches; problems with chewing; locking or limited movement of the jaw; or popping, clicking or grinding sound when opening your mouth.
If you are experiencing a TMJ/TMD disorder, the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research recommends eating softer foods, applying heat packs, avoiding chewing gum and biting your nails, and practicing relaxation techniques. Wearing a night guard, taking anti-inflammatory medication and doing jaw exercises can also help alleviate TMJ/TMD pain.
If you are experiencing facial pain or symptoms of TMJ/TMD there’s no need to suffer, DOC can assist you with a custom night guard. Schedule an appointment with your dentist today.