How are you feeling lately? Have you been dealing with headaches, or putting up with jaw pain? Are you having a harder time just moving your jaw to eat and speak? These are all signs that you have been struggling with TMD, or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. Your TMJs can be affected by stress, particularly if you have been grinding your teeth. You could also develop this problem if arthritis affects your jaw joints, or you suffer an injury. If you have been experiencing these discomforts, tell your dentist. They can help you fight back against TMD. Many patients will benefit from an oral insert that helps align their jaw, which can bring relief.
How Chronic Jaw Pain Can Impact Your Life
If your jaw function is compromised, it could be painful when you try to bite, chew, or even talk. You could also suffer from pain throughout your face, neck, and head. The reason your pain spreads is because your jaw is controlled by your trigeminal nerve, the same nerve that is responsible for sensation in these different areas. Leaving jaw issues untreated can mean suffering pain that sabotages your quality of life.
The Oral Health Care You Receive Through Regular Dental Visits
Regular dental exams can lead to your dentist spotting signs of TMD. These appointments, which should occur every six months, make it easier for problems to be found, identified, and treated. In addition to that careful attention to your oral health, you also receive a dental cleaning from your hygienist. This protects you from cavities by removing harmful substances, even stubborn tartar, from your teeth.
