Temporomandibular joint disorder—usually called TMJ or TMD, affects the joints that link your lower or mandibular jaw to the temporal bone of the skull. Want to know where these joints are? Place your fingertips on both sides of your face just in front of your ears. Now open and close your mouth a couple of times and you’ll feel these joints at work. When functioning properly, the temporomandibular joints allow you to open and close easily, so you can speak, eat, laugh and yawn. If there is a malfunction, however, this simple movement can be quite painful. Unfortunately, some people are more at risk for TMJ than others. Let’s take a look at the risk factors and how TMJ therapy in Summerlin can help.
What are the Risk Factors for TMJ?
While it is possible to develop TMJ without having any of the risk factors, there are certain groups of people that are more susceptible. These groups include:
People under stress. Stress is part of life and is sometime expressed in physical habits that include teeth grinding and clenching (bruxism), biting your nails or chewing gum.
People with certain medical conditions, such as misaligned teeth or bite, arthritis, and jaw or facial injuries or deformities.
Women. Although men can have TMD, too, women make up about 90 percent of people seeking treatment. Researchers are trying to figure out who women are more susceptible. The answer may lie in hormone fluctuations or pain tolerance levels.
People between the ages of 30 and 50. This does not mean that people outside of the age ranges won’t get TMJ, but people between 30 and 50 are more likely to develop the condition. There may be a link to stress during this stage of life.
People with a history of facial, jaw or neck injury. Trauma to the head, face, jaw or neck can lead to TMD, especially if the jaw was dislocated or the muscles and discs that comprise the TMJ joints are impacted.
TMJ Treatment in Summerlin
Because of TMJ’s uncomfortable or even painful symptoms—not to mention the possibility of tooth damage from grinding and clenching—TMJ treatment in Summerlin may include wearing a custom-fitted oral appliance when you sleep night. Also called a nightguard, this appliance protects your upper and lower teeth from the pressure of grinding. Some other suggestions for relief:
- Gently massaging your TMJ joints to relax the muscle and stimulate blood flow
- Yoga for stress reduction
- Taking small bites when you eat
- Eating on both sides of your mouth
- Over-the-counter medications for pain and swelling
If you have any of the risk factors for TMJ and are experiencing symptoms, contact your dentist in Summerlin today.
About iSleepSolutions
As the name suggests, iSleepSolutions is dedicated to helping patients get a good night’s rest, whether with sleep apnea therapy or TMJ treatment in Summerlin. Dr. West is a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. If you’d like to schedule a consultation, call the office today.