Millions of Americans suffer from chronic facial and neck pain, as well as recurrent headaches, which can sometimes be attributed to Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD). Your temporomandibular joints (TMJs) connect your lower jawbone to your skull and are used frequently for speaking, chewing, swallowing, and yawning throughout the day. When these joints become painful or restricted, it can significantly impact your quality of life.
Symptoms of TMD
- Pain in the jaw area
- Pain, ringing, or stuffiness in the ears
- Frequent headaches or neck aches
- Clicking or popping sound when the jaw moves
- Swelling on the sides of the face
- Muscle spasms in the jaw area
- A change in the alignment of the top and bottom teeth
- Locked jaw or limited opening of the mouth
Causes of TMJ
The temporomandibular joint combines hinge and sliding motions. Normally, the bones within the joint are covered with cartilage and separated by a small shock-absorbing disk, which ensures smooth movement. TMJ disorders can arise when this disk erodes or becomes misaligned, leading to disrupted joint function. Additionally, joint cartilage damage, often due to arthritis, can contribute to painful symptoms. Injuries or impacts, such as a blow to the jaw, can also cause harm to the joint and result in TMJ disorders.
How to Avoid TMJ/TMD
To help prevent TMJ/TMD, consider the following practices:
- Relax your face, and remember to keep your lips together with your teeth apart.
- Avoid grinding your teeth and excessive gum chewing.
- Don’t cradle the phone receiver between your head and shoulder; use a headset or hold the receiver to your ear.
- Chew food evenly on both sides of your mouth.
- Avoid resting your chin on your hand.
- Practice good posture by keeping your head up, back straight, and shoulders square.
If you notice any symptoms of TMJ/TMD, please get in touch with the office of Dr. Jose Enrique Ortiz at Alinea Orthodontics to schedule an appointment. We’re here to help you find relief and improve your oral health.
