801-756-0900Like any health condition, understanding what you are suffering from is the key to finding treatment. TMD is a common disorder that can affect your jaw causing you pain. Luckily, our team here at TMJ Therapy in American Fork, Utah, has experience in helping people with their TMD, and are happy to give you some basic information to help guide you to treatment.
So, what is TMD? Temporomandibular joints, or TMJs, are the main joints on the side of your jaw that open and close your mouth. When they cause pain, simple tasks of talking, chewing, and even swallowing can be painful and difficult. Your TMJ also works with other muscles and ligaments that go in your jaw bone to keep the motion in your jaw fluid. When these are inflamed, strained, or damaged, intense pain in your joints or headaches can occur.
There are multiple possible causes of TMD, which are also called TMJ disorders. Some of these include:
-Arthritis
-Bad tooth or jaw alignment
-Severe stress and teeth grinding putting pressure on the joints in your jaw
-Dislocation of your jaw
-Injury to your jaw or joint pain
The most important thing about TMD is to get properly diagnosed, so you can begin treatment. There are also other treatments you can do on your own to help your TMJ. These include:
– Avoid nail biting.
– Eat softer foods.
– Avoid chewing gum.
– Use heat packs to treat the pain.
– Exercise to strengthen your jaw muscles.
If you would like to schedule a consultation to see if you have TMD, or would like to learn more about your treatment options, please call 801-756-0900 today to set up an appointment with Dr. Carl McMillan. We are always here to assist your smile.