Do you have pain or tenderness in your jaw? Is it difficult or painful to chew? Does your jaw lock, making it difficult to open or close your mouth? Do you have consistent pain around your ears? If you deal with any of these symptoms regularly, you may need to be seen for TMD, or temporomandibular joint disorder. This is also sometimes referred to as TMJ disorder.
The exact cause of TMJ disorder can be difficult to pin down, however, your dentist, Dr. Rai, can discuss probable causes and solutions for your particular case. TMD is sometimes linked to bruxism, or chronic grinding of teeth, typically at night while sleeping. As each case is very personalized, it is very important that you see your dentist as soon as possible.
In the meantime, there are some things you can do to try and relieve some symptoms. Get adequate sleep, to reduce stress and potentially lower inflammation. Chronic stress has been linked to both bruxism and TMJ disorder, and reducing your stress levels is beneficial to your overall health. When you sleep, try sleeping on your back, with a pillow of the right firmness to keep your head, shoulders, and neck in alignment, and soft enough to allow your muscles to relax.
At Rai Family Dentistry, we offer TMJ treatments to better allow for your comfort and oral health. If you suspect you have TMJ and you are in Stafford, VA, schedule an appointment with your dentist at Rai Family Dentistry by calling [phone]. Dr. Rai and our team look forward to seeing you!