The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is one of the most complicated joints in the whole body. This means that there can be a lot that goes wrong, and it isn’t always the easiest problem to address. There are all sorts of reasons why you could be experiencing locked jaw, jaw stiffness, or general jaw discomfort. Continue reading to learn more about TMJ disorder and some of the common culprits.
What Is TMJ Disorder?
TMJ disorder (TMD) is a condition where someone has compromised function and/or pain surrounding the jaw joint and nearby muscles. This can result in a range of related consequences, like lockjaw, jaw stiffness, frequent headaches, difficulty chewing, ear pain, and popping of the jaw.
What Are the Causes of a Locked/Stiff Jaw?
There are multiple factors that can contribute to TMD. Here are just some of the most common ones.
- Stress: If you are feeling stressed or anxious, you may be unintentionally clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth, contributing to jaw stiffness.
- Teeth Grinding: Teeth grinding causes tightness and soreness in the face, neck, and upper or lower jaw. It can also result in headaches and earaches.
- Excessive Chewing: If you are enjoying food items that contain a lot of chewing, including beef jerky, hard breads, and chewing gum, you might be overworking your jaw, worsening existing jaw problems.
How Can TMD Be Addressed?
If you think that you might have TMJ disorder, you should reach out to a dentist to get the treatment you need. There are various treatments available to help bring patients reliever. The most common treatment is an oral appliance. This is a customized mouthguard that is worn throughout the night to keep the jaw in proper alignment, preventing unnecessary pressure on the jaws. This helps to gradually create long-term, stable changes to the jaw, providing lasting, yet almost instant relief.
What Are the Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy?
Using oral appliances for sleep apnea and TMJ disorder can offer many benefits. Here are some of the most notable ones.
- Non-Invasive: Oral appliance treatment is a non-invasive, conservative approach for both conditions.
- Comfort: Oral appliances are customized to fit your mouth perfectly.
- Improved Sleep: Oral appliances can significantly improve quality of sleep.
- Dual Purpose: These devices can address TMJ disorder while also having a positive impact on oral appliance treatment.
If you have been experiencing jaw stiffness or pain, let your dentist know. This way, you can work together to create a treatment plan that is right for you.
About the Practice
At Michel Dental, Dr. Michael E. Michel and Dr. Michael Weber work together to treat patients in the Topeka and Silver lake areas. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. To learn more about TMJ treatment or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (785) 273-0801.