TMJ Edmonton - signs of TMJ and how to treat it

Dr. Lee locking arms with Dr. Ngai in the waiting room of Newbury Dental
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If you're one of the many people who suffer from TMJ, you know just how debilitating the condition can be. The good news is that there are ways to help ease the pain and discomfort associated with TMJ, and in this article we'll show you some of the best methods.

What is TMJ?

TMJ stands for Temporomandibular Joint Disorder. It is a condition that causes pain in the jaw joint and muscles. The pain can be caused by a number of things, including grinding or clenching your teeth, stress, arthritis, or an injury to the jaw. There are many ways to help deal with your TMJ, including:

- avoiding hard and chewy foods
- eating soft foods
- taking over-the-counter pain medications
- applying ice or heat to the jaw
- doing relaxation exercises
- massaging the Jaw muscles

If you are experiencing pain from TMJ, it is important to see your dentist or doctor to rule out any other potential causes of the pain. They can also help you come up with a treatment plan that is right for you. If you're in the Edmonton or surrounding areas, dentists at Newbury Dental specialize in treating patients with TMJ. Contact us today.

Causes of TMJ

There are many potential causes of TMJ, and it can be difficult to determine the exact cause in any individual case. However, there are some common factors that have been linked to the development of TMJ, including:

– Teeth grinding or clenching. This can put excessive stress on the jaw joints and muscles, leading to pain and inflammation.

– Arthritis. This chronic condition can lead to the deterioration of the cartilage that cushions and protects the jaw joints.

– Trauma or injury to the jaw area. This can include things like a blow to the face or surgery in the area.

– Stress. This is a common factor in many health conditions, and it can also contribute to TMJ by causing teeth grinding or clenching, which puts stress on the jaw joints and muscles.

Symptoms of TMJ

Do you suffer from jaw pain, headaches, or clicking and popping sounds when you move your jaw? If so, you may be experiencing symptoms of TMJ.

TMJ is a condition that affects the Temporomandibular Joint, which is the joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull. TMJ can cause a wide variety of symptoms, including pain, headaches, dizziness, earaches, and difficulty chewing or swallowing.

There are many different ways to treat TMJ, depending on the severity of the condition. Some simple self-care measures, such as eating soft foods and avoiding hard crunchy foods, can help to ease symptoms. Over-the-counter pain medications can also be helpful in managing pain.

If home care measures and over-the-counter medications are not enough to relieve your symptoms, your doctor may recommend more aggressive treatment options. These may include physical therapy, splint therapy, or injections of corticosteroids into the joint. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the problem.

If you think you may be suffering from TMJ, talk to your dentist about ways to help relieve your symptoms and get back to enjoying your life.

Treatments for TMJ

If you're dealing with TMJ, there are a number of treatment options available to help ease your symptoms. While some people may only need to make simple lifestyle changes to find relief, others may require more aggressive treatments. Here are some of the most common ways to treat TMJ:

-Rest: If your TMJ is caused by stress or clenching your teeth, one of the best things you can do is simply rest your jaw. Avoid chewing gum or eating hard foods, and try to keep your jaw relaxed as much as possible.

-Pain medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help ease the pain and inflammation associated with TMJ. If these don't work for you, your doctor may prescribe a stronger pain medication.

-Muscle relaxants: Muscle relaxants can help relieve the muscle spasms that often accompany TMJ. These medications should only be used short-term, as they can cause drowsiness and other side effects.

-Applying heat or ice: Applying ice to the outside of your face can help reduce swelling, while heat can help relax the muscles in your jaw. Try alternating between the two for

-Dental work: Schedule an appointment to speak with one of our dentists regarding your TMJ. 

Edmonton Dentists that specialize in TMJ

Dr.Ngai and Dr.Lee at Newbury Dental are Edmonton dentists that specialize in TMJ. If you are suffering from TMJ, you should consult with one of these specialists to find out what treatment options are available to you. There are a variety of treatments that can be effective in treating TMJ, and a specialist will be able to help you find the right option for your specific case. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the problem, but in many cases, less invasive treatments can be just as effective. If you are suffering from TMJ, don't suffer any longer than you have to- consult with a specialist today and get on the road to recovery.

Conclusion

There are many things that you can do to help deal with your TMJ. Some of these include: practicing good posture, eating soft foods, avoiding chewy foods, applying ice or heat to the affected area, and doing Jaw Exercises. If you find that your symptoms are not improving with home treatment, then it is important to see a dentist so they can properly diagnose and treat the problem.

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Moss Wall in Newbury Dental, located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

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