1. Understanding the Symptoms and Causes of TMJ Disorder
TMJ disorder symptoms include headaches that feel like tension headaches. Other symptoms can be a clicking sound when you chew your food, yawn, or persistent jaw pain. A variety of things can cause TMJ disorder, including:
- Poor posture
- Grinding your teeth
- Stress
- Altered growth of the jaws due to allergies and tongue posture. Pathologic bite can develop
2. An Accurate Diagnosis is Crucial
Not all headaches or jaw pain are TMJ disorders. Getting a proper diagnosis from a dentist like Dr. Zils is important. Many people spend years living with TMJ disorder without realizing that they can treat the underlying issues.
Dr. Zils will perform a thorough evaluation using bite analysis and digital imaging to determine the root cause of your symptoms. One of her patients shared how her chronic migraines disappeared after beginning TMJ splint therapy.
3. Splint Therapy: Stabilizing the Jaw
Splint therapy works by holding the jaw in a position that allows the muscles to relax while also decompressing the joint. These oral appliances are custom-made for you and designed to be worn during the day. Wearing the appliance will help reduce teeth grinding and jaw clenching. Dr. Zils’ patients have reported that TMJ splints helps reduce daytime symptoms. A separate nighttime appliance is worn to hold the jaw in the same position as the daytime appliance.
4. Bite Adjustments for TMJ Pain Relief
If your bite is off, it can throw your entire jaw out of alignment, resulting in TMJ-related discomfort. A bite adjustment reshapes the biting surfaces of your teeth to give you a more balanced bite. The result is a reduction in tension and prevention of further jaw misalignment. Bite adjustments are non-invasive but highly effective treatments.
5. Strengthen Jaw Muscles with Physical Therapy
Many patients find relief with physical therapy that targets muscle imbalances. This therapy can improve the mobility of your jaw and train it to move correctly. Physical therapists may guide you through various exercises, including restricted closing of the jaw, controlled mouth opening, and gentle stretches designed to loosen your tight jaw muscles.
6. Lifestyle Changes Can Help Manage TMJ Symptoms
One of the most effective things you can do before your consultation is to consider lifestyle changes. These changes can lower your stress and help reduce the strain on your jaw.
- Avoid chewy or hard foods such as gum, nuts, and tough meat.
- Apply a warm compress to your jaw to ease tension.
- Meditation and mindfulness practice to reduce stress.
- Staying hydrated to minimize muscle cramping.
- Avoid resting your chin on your hand.
- Stretching and maintaining good posture throughout the day.
- Set reminders to relax your jaw.
7. Consult with Dr. Leah Zils for Treatments for TMJ in The Woodlands, TX
You don’t have to keep living with TMJ pain. Dr. Leah Zils at Leah Zils, DDS in The Woodlands, Texas, can diagnose your disorder and offer TMJ dental treatment options.
