How To Conservatively Manage Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

If you cannot move the lower jaw without pain, then your temporomandibular joint has a problem. The resulting condition is commonly known as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). Dentists review symptoms related to the malfunctioning of the joint and recommend effective treatments. After all the conservative measures fail, you undergo corrective surgery. If the joint holding the jaws has an issue, you will experience pain and aches in different parts of your face. The Advanced Dental Care of Riverdale offers diagnostic and treatment services to all persons suffering from TMJ Bronx, New York.

• Cold or Hot Therapies 

The discomfort associated with the condition causes sharp pains in some parts of your face. Therefore, applying ice on the affected side will help manage the pain for some time. Also, depending on the extent of the pain, the dentist can advise you to use a warm towel on the jaw area for a few days. If the pain persists after performing the cold or hot therapies, consult your dentist for better interventions.

• Alter Your Diet 

To prevent aggravation of the problem with the joint, you will have to avoid eating hard foods. You should avoid overworking the jaw by chewing hard foods. When altering the diet, you must ensure the soft foods meet your dietary foods. There are many healthy foods you can eat that will not involve a lot of chewing. After some time, if the joint has a mild injury, you will experience some relief. 

• Pain Medications 

If the pain does not respond to hot and cold therapies, you will need to ask your dentist for pain medication. The medication should reduce inflammation and pain to go by your daily activities without pain. Depending on the frequency and the level of pain, the dentist can prescribe a combination of anti-anxiety, antidepressant, and anti-inflammatory drugs. The combination addresses any anxiety, stress, and pain you might have due to the condition. 

• Wear a Night Guard 

If your TMJ results from teeth grinding at night, you must wear a nightguard. The oral device secures your upper and lower jaw to avoid teeth clenching. Also, if you have an issue with an overbite, the device secures your teeth in the proper position. Altering the position of your teeth has proven to be an effective way of reducing the pain associated with TMJ. 

• ·      Keep Jaw Movements Minimal 

The effect of the disorder is that the joint enabling the movement of your jaws becomes painful. Therefore avoiding instances when you move the jaws can reduce the pain and further injury to the jaw. Avoid yawning unnecessarily or resting your jaw on your hand for long. Also, limit chewing to only when you are having meals. 

The temporomandibular joint disorder causes you to experience pain and discomfort. Most of the time, the pain responds to conservative management, but the dentist escalates to treatment when it persists. At Advanced Dental for TMJ to ensure you go back to using your mouth without pain. Book your appointment by calling or booking online.

Ulani Uriah

Umar Nisar was born and raised in the busy city of Abbottabad. As a journalist, Umar Nisar has contributed to many online publications including PAK Today and the Huffing Post. In regards to academics, Umar Nisar earned a degree in business from the Abbottabad UST, Havelian. Umar Nisar follows the money and covers all aspects of emerging tech here at The Hear Up.

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