Whenever you chew, talk, and yawn, you use your temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects your skull and the lower jaw. Just like other joints in your body, your TMJ can fail to function due to TMJ disorder. This joint may not function properly because of some causes. Whenever you notice something is wrong with your TMJ, you must schedule an appointment with your dentist in Powell, TN. So, what are the common causes of TMJ disorder? Read on to know the answers:
Teeth Clenching or Grinding
A lot of people think that TMJ disorder can occur due to stress; however, this is not completely correct. Stress does not directly cause TMJ pain. However, for some people, stress can lead to muscle tension throughout their bodies. In turn, this can cause them to grind their teeth while asleep or clench their jaws. Teeth grinding and clenching can put significant stress on the TMJ and the teeth and may result in TMJ disorder over time.
A dentist can recommend that a patient should make lifestyle changes to reduce their stress levels. Also, they can provide solutions to relieve immediate pain and prevent jaw clenching and teeth grinding at night that may be causing their TMJ disorder.
Arthritis
Arthritis can affect body joints, including your TMJ. This joint can be affected by osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, which cause the joint to break down over time. As a degenerative condition, arthritis, the symptoms cannot reverse themselves or do not get alleviated without medical intervention. Your dentist can coordinate with your rheumatologist to address your pain’s underlying cause and offer relief for your symptoms.
Spine Imbalance
Your jaw and neck muscles work together. And since the neck connects to your spine and shoulders, any imbalance of these can result in the entire system becoming off-balance. Your TMJ, neck, spine, teeth, and bite are associated with each other. Correcting imbalances can help you recover from TMJ disorder.
To determine the underlying cause of TMJ disorder, your dentist will carefully analyze your symptoms, examine your teeth and jaw, as well as determine the cause of the pain. If the cause of your disorder is mouth-related, they may prescribe nightguards. If the cause is a medical issue, they will collaborate with medical experts to help relieve your symptoms. The doctors they work with will prescribe medications for your pain and muscle tension. Often, a multi-pronged approach that begins with offering you immediate relief for the symptoms is the best way to help you manage your TMJ disorder.
