Pain in the jaw may be nothing more than an annoyance, but it can keep you from being able to eat, talk, and even sleep. If you have been suffering from pain or clicking sensations in your jaw, you might have a TMJ disorder. TMJ treatment in Lethbridge can come to the rescue of your pain and bring back your usual jaw function.
What Is TMJ?
TMJ is the temporomandibular joint, that is, the link between your jawbone and your skull. The jaw plays a crucial role in simple movements like chewing, speaking, and yawning. When the joint becomes inflamed or misaligned, it results in TMJ disorder (also known as TMD), an affliction that affects millions of people worldwide.
Common Symptoms Of TMJ Disorder
TMJ problems can manifest in various ways, but typical symptoms are:
- Chronic jaw pain or tenderness
- Sounds like clicking, popping, or grinding when you open or move your jaw
- Trouble opening or closing your mouth
- Discomfort in the ears or temples
- Headaches and facial stress
- Pain during chewing
If you find yourself experiencing one or more of these symptoms, it’s worth investigating professional attention.
What Causes TMJ Disorder?
There are various reasons that TMJ issues could be caused, including:
- Grinding or clenching the teeth (frequently during sleeping)
- Injury or trauma to the jaw
- Arthritis within the jaw joint
- Poor body posture, specifically the neck and shoulders
- Stress, as it may result in jaw stiffness
Occasionally, the underlying cause is uncertain, but learning what makes it worse can guide your relief.
Things That Make TMJ Worse
Many everyday habits can aggravate TMJ issues. Some of the things that make TMJ worse include:
- Chewing gum frequently
- Eating hard or chewy foods
- Resting your chin on your hand
- Poor sleep posture
- Jaw clenching during stress
Avoiding these triggers can reduce strain on your jaw and improve your symptoms over time.
How Do I Reset My TMJ Jaw?
If your jaw feels stuck or misaligned, you may wonder, “How do I reset my TMJ jaw?” To start, never try to fix your jaw on your own without advice from a professional. Gentle exercises may help stretch and relax the muscles, but persistent issues should be addressed by a dental professional. Trying to “pop” your jaw back into place on your own can cause more harm than good.
TMJ Treatment Options
Thankfully, there are several effective treatment methods for TMJ disorders, including:
Lifestyle And Home Remedies
- Applying heat or cold packs
- Eating soft foods
- Reducing stress
- Practicing jaw-stretching exercises
Oral Appliances
Dentists often recommend custom night guards or splints that help prevent teeth grinding and reduce jaw strain during sleep.
Physical Therapy
TMJ-focused physical therapy can improve jaw mobility and reduce inflammation through targeted stretches and posture correction.
Medications
Anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, or even Botox injections may be used to ease jaw tension and pain.
Dental Treatments
If your TMJ disorder stems from bite misalignment or missing teeth, restorative dental work may be suggested to balance your bite.
When to See A Professional?
If your jaw pain persists for more than a few days or worsens over time, it’s important to consult a professional. Getting help early usually brings better results and can stop serious jaw joint problems from developing later.
Relieve Your Jaw Pain – Book Your TMJ Consultation Today!
TMJ disorders can have a big impact on your daily comfort and well-being, but relief is possible with the right care. Whether you’re dealing with mild jaw tightness or chronic pain, exploring TMJ treatment in Lethbridge can make all the difference.
At Stafford Family Dental, our experienced dentist near you is here to help diagnose your symptoms and create a custom treatment plan to get your jaw feeling better again. Don’t let jaw pain take over your life; book your appointment today and take the first step toward comfort.