Your smile often depends on getting the necessary care in the face of all accidents and injuries that can often arise. However, prevention and treatment plans are often effective as well, as they can minimize risks associated with various aspects of your oral health. Due to the importance of your temporomandibular joints, also known as your TMJs, it is essential to establish an effective treatment plan to minimize risk associated with TMJ disorders,
If you’re struggling with any issues associated with a TMJ disorder, it can be linked to an underlying condition that has to be treated. Because your TMJs play such a key role in several aspects of your mouth, several underlying oral health risks can indeed give rise to a TMJ disorder. If you are suffering from bruxism or have issues with bad habits that continually put additional strain on your jaw, they may need to be negated. If you are biting your nails, chewing gum or eating foods that are excessively chewy, you could be putting your TMJs at an increased risk of dental damage. Furthermore, arthritis, dislocations and misalignments associated with your teeth and jaw are known risk factors for TMJs.
If TMJ disorders are present, you may need to visit your dentist for a night guard or bite plate appliance. However, there are various treatments you can also use to help minimize the pain and discomfort TMJ disorders can provide. Try using heat packs for pain and ice packs for inflammation.
Stress is a key risk factor for TMJ disorder, so you’ll want to practice meditation techniques such as yoga or calming music to help alleviate the pain. Furthermore, try eating soft foods and practice jaw strengthening exercises.
Are you in need of a dentist in Chesterton, Indiana, for TMJ care? If so, our team can assist you. Dr. Steven Walker and our team can give you a complete oral examination to help you with TMJ disorder risk assessments or any other oral health care needs you may have. Our number is 219-926-4321.