What Your Symptoms May Be Telling You
Do you have unexplained discomfort in your jaw? Or are you suffering from unexplained headaches daily or when you first awake? While it is not uncommon to suffer from these symptoms from time to time, it can be concerning when it happens frequently. You might be experiencing symptoms from a well-known condition that affects many adults. Continue reading to learn more about this common condition.
What are TMJ Disorders?
Temporomandibular joint disorders, also known as TMJ disorders, are issues that arise from problems with the jaw joints and face muscles. The temporomandibular joint is the joint that attaches your skull to your jawbone. It acts like a hinge and works along with the jaw muscles to allow you to move your mouth when eating, swallowing, and speaking. When the joint is not functioning properly, it can greatly affect a patient’s oral health and day-to-day comfort. More patients than ever are being affected by this condition due to the added stress in everyday life.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorders
TMJ Disorders are a unique condition that each patient can be affected by differently. TMJ disorders can be seen in a variety of different symptoms such as:
- Jaw that gets stuck and is difficult to open and close
- Clicking or popping sound while opening the mouth or eating
- Discomfort in the jaw area or aching facial pain
- Difficulty chewing and swallowing
- Headaches, ear aches, shoulder and neck discomfort
Ways to Help with TMJ Disorders
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, we suggest that you schedule an appointment as soon as possible. In the meantime, we suggest making small changes to help improve your condition:
- Try to relax your jaw as much as possible using relaxation techniques
- Exercise your jaw
- Eat softer foods
- Apply ice packs or moist heat
- Be mindful of your posture
If TMJ disorder conditions are not treated, the symptoms could increase and become more severe over time. If you live in or around the Terre Haute, IN area and are experiencing any of these symptoms or are interested in learning more about TMJ disorders, please contact our office today. We look forward to seeing you soon.
