November is TMJ Awareness Month! If you’ve ever felt tenderness in your jaw when you wake up, noticed popping sounds when you chew, or experienced unexplained headaches, your temporomandibular joints might be involved. These joints are small but complex, and when they’re not functioning the way they should, they can create a wide range of uncomfortable symptoms. Here are a few things you should know about protecting your jaw joints and when to think about seeking TMJ treatment in Orlando, FL!
What Is TMJ?
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint. These are the joints just in front of the ears that let you open and close your mouth. The joint itself involves a ball-shaped protuberance called a condyle at the top of the mandible (the lower jaw) fitting into a depression in the underside of the zygoma (cheekbone).
There is a pad of cartilage called a meniscus between the two bones, similar to what’s inside the knees, as well as several ligaments that stabilize the joint. Muscles that control jaw movements include the masseters, which are the large chewing muscles on either side of the face, and temporalis, which are fan-shaped muscles that extend from the jaw upward to cover the temples and sides of the head.
Many people refer to “TMJ” as a shortened way to refer to TMJ disorders, which can include muscular issues, damage to the meniscus inside the joint, or abnormalities in the bones, such as a flattening of the condyle. TMJ disorders can cause many uncomfortable symptoms.
TMJ Symptoms
- Clicking or popping when you open or close
- Limited range of motion or trouble opening and closing
- Difficulty moving the jaw side to side
- Pain in the jaw or face
- Chronic headaches or migraines
- Stiff jaw
- Locked jaw
- Earaches or ringing in the ears
- Sensitive teeth or unexplained pain in the molars
- Neck or shoulder pain or stiffness
How Can You Prevent TMJ Symptoms?
TMJ problems can be uncomfortable or even debilitating. Here are a few tips to keep your jaw joints comfortable whether you’re looking for ways to prevent TMJ problems or trying to keep your symptoms under control.
1. Maintain Good Posture
Studies suggest that your posture may affect the health of your jaw joints. If you slouch or hunch, extending your head forward, it may change the position of the jaw and strain the muscles and ligaments of the joints. Resting your chin in your hand can also put pressure on the joints and lead to discomfort.
Sitting up and drawing the chin back to position your head over your neck may help to keep your jaw joints in a healthier position. This is especially important if you spend a lot of time working at a computer or using a phone, which can create posture issues.
2. Try to Make a Habit of Keeping Your Jaw Relaxed
Check in with your jaw muscles throughout the day. Are your teeth clenched? Does your jaw feel tight or sore? Ideally, our resting position should have our tongue resting on the roof of the mouth with the teeth slightly apart and jaw muscles relaxed.
You can check for clenching by looking at your tongue in a mirror. If the edges are scalloped (wavy, like your tongue has an impression of the shape of your teeth), it’s an indicator that you’re clenching your jaw.
3. Wear a Night Guard
A night guard is a simple and effective way to protect your jaw joints as well as your teeth. It’s similar to an orthodontic retainer, but designed with thicker material where you bite, which provides cushion between the top and bottom teeth and keeps your jaw in a healthier, more relaxed position while you sleep.
While there are over-the-counter night guards out there, it’s best to get a guard professionally made by a dentist. OTC night guards can actually make the issue worse because they’re made from a rubbery material that can activate your jaw muscles even more. Our custom night guards are molded to your teeth, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit and balanced to protect your jaw joints and provide relief from TMJ symptoms.
4. Avoid Straining Your Jaw
Our jaw joints and chewing muscles see a lot of action throughout the day. Like any other joints in your body, overusing your TMJs can lead to wear and tear as well as strained muscles.
Try to avoid overworking or straining your jaw joints by minimizing things like:
- Gnawing on tough or chewy foods
- Chewing gum every day
- Opening too wide when you yawn or shout
For example, you can use your hand to support your lower jaw when yawning and prevent it from overextending. Sticking to softer foods is especially important if you’re prone to TMJ issues and struggling with pain or stiffness.
5. Talk to Your Dentist About Fixing Your Bite
Bite disharmony is a major cause of TMJ problems. Bite issues can happen because of the position of your teeth, worn-down enamel, or poorly fitting dental work. If your bite is uneven or you feel like you hit certain teeth first when you close slowly, it’s important to talk to your dentist about it!
In many cases, we can create a healthier bite with small, conservative adjustments to relieve excess pressure where you’re hitting too hard. If your teeth are worn down, we can rebuild a healthy bite with restorations like dental crowns. We also work closely with trusted orthodontists in Orlando to create a healthy bite by moving your teeth into the proper positions.
Talk to Us About TMJ Treatment in Orlando!
If you’re struggling with TMJ disorder or feel like you may be grinding or clenching your teeth, talk to us. Our team is here to protect all aspects of your oral health, including your jaw joints.
We’ll perform a detailed examination of your teeth, gums, and jaw joints and provide guidance on the best way to get relief from jaw pain. We also use advanced 3D imaging to determine whether you need advanced treatments with a TMJ specialist. Protect those jaw joints so you can keep smiling, Orlando!
