4 Habits That Increases The Chance of TMJ Disorder
Disorders of the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, can generate considerable disability and pain that impact life quality. Some patients consider the symptoms to be chronic illnesses or may be genetic. For others, cutting down on some specific habits that raise the risk of developing TMJ is advisable.
The Function of the TMJ
This joint links the jaw to the temporal bones of the skull and facilitates various movements required for the below actions:
- Chewing
- Swallowing
- Yawning
- Speaking
TMJ is on both sides of the human skull in front of each ear. Closely surrounded by muscles, ligaments, cartilage, nerves, and blood vessels.
Behaviors that Raise the Risk of TMJ Disorder
Patients with jaw pain unrelated to other health conditions should cut down on certain habits for relief. Dentists can figure out which practices may raise a patient’s risk of developing TMJ disorder by examining teeth for damage caused by chewing or clenching. Habits that contribute to TMJ disorder are:
- Jaw Clenching
Many individuals develop an unconscious jaw-clenching habit that happens in reaction to chronic tension or anxiety. This condition can place an overwhelming pressure of several pounds on the teeth that moves to the jaw joint, leading to pain and discomfort. Proactive techniques of stress control, including meditation or prescribed drugs, can help patients prevent this. Dental nightguards may also reduce the impact of unconscious jaw-clenching.
- Aggressive Chewing
Similar to jaw clenching, forceful chewing can contribute to pain in the jaw and nearby areas. Habitual chewing may cause overuse of the jaw joints and muscles, stressing them to the point that they get damaged & hurts the neck and head. Stress-related practices, including daily chewing of gum, tobacco, pencils, and other objects, are usually the reason. Diets rich in hard foods like raw vegetables or meats also contribute to jawbone degeneration.
- Poor Posture
Poor posture or slouching can cause many structural issues in the body. It can put unnecessary pressure on neck muscles, driving headaches. Slouching also tosses tender jaw joints out of proportion by hyperextending the neck and lower jaw forward. The result is bite misalignment, which is a sign of TMJ disorder. Physical therapy, stretching, and keeping the shoulders back all will enhance the posture & lower the risk of TMJ disorder.
- Teeth Misusage
Using teeth for many other things than chewing food raises the chance of TMJ disorders. When teeth replace devices specially created for activities like opening bottles & tearing tape the jaw joints are subjected to abnormal movements and stress. Aside from damaging the teeth, these practices generate misalignment of the upper and lower jaw and trouble its surrounding muscles and ligaments, causing chronic pain. Resisting these habits can greatly decrease a person’s risk of getting jaw issues.
TMJ Disorder Treatment In Round Rock, TX
Round Rock dentists can easily determine the cause of jaw-related pain based on your oral examination results. Many patients can decrease their risk of developing TMJ disorders by cutting down on some habits. Contact us to know more about TMJ disorder treatment in Round Rock, TX & visit our dental office.