801-756-0900In order to ensure your teeth are properly cared for, it is important to take into account all areas of your jaw and face. One of the most important sections of your mouth involves the joints in your jaw known as the temporomandibular joints, also called TMJs. If damage to your TMJs occurs, it can severely debilitate your smile including the rotation of your jaw.
Potential causes of TMJ disorders include teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, arthritis, dislocations, and errors with your tooth and jaw alignment. In addition, there are numerous habits that you partake that can easily make things worse, including biting into ice or chewing on pen caps, biting on your nails, chewing gum, or eating extremely rough or chewy foods such as steak.
If a TMJ disorder should arise, there are numerous treatments that can help alleviate any pain involved. If you feel pain, use a heat pack, and if you have an inflammation, use an ice pack. Due to the fact that most TMJ disorders can be linked to stress, there are numerous meditation techniques that can help relieve stress, including yoga, calming music, and biofeedback.
Furthermore, eat softer foods when it seems a TMJ disorder is present, and practice exercises that can help strengthen your jaw. Medicinal treatments that have been able to help include night guards and bite plates. For more help with TMJ disorders, visit your dentist.
If you would like to have a comprehensive exam for your jaw and TMJs from our team at TMJ Therapy, simply schedule an appointment with Dr. Carl McMillan and the rest of our team by calling 801-756-0900. Our dentist office is conveniently located in American Fork, Utah.