Dentists in Concord NC Sound Off on TMJ Disorders

A lot of people experience soreness in their jaw sometimes. Often, this is no cause for alarm. But when this pain lingers or starts to get worse, and activities like chewing, biting down, or even breathing have become difficult, then maybe it’s time to visit a Concord Dentist. You could be suffering from a TMJ disorder.

The TMJ, or temporomandibular joint, is the joint that connects your skull with your lower jaw. Your TMJ is what helps your jaw move when you’re eating, talking, or just opening and closing your mouth. A malfunctioning TMJ can result in serious muscle pain, as well as headaches, dizziness, and in extreme cases, lockjaw. Therefore, it is very important that you know how to pinpoint the signs of a TMJ disorder by familiarizing yourself with its causes. This also ensures that if this happens to you or your loved ones, you will know what to do about it.

One of the biggest causes of TMJ disorders is stress. When you’re feeling stressed, angry, or overworked, you tend to clench your jaw or even grind your teeth. You may even be doing this while you’re asleep and therefore not know about it. This overworks your jawbone and may heighten the risk of a TMJ disorder.

The earlier you recognize the signs of a TMJ disorder, the better, because in this context prevention really is better than cure. If you’re experiencing any kind of pain in your jaw area, it is better to be cautious and have it checked by dentists in Concord NC, just to be sure. The dentist will determine if you do have the condition via imaging tests like CT scans or X-rays.

If your TMJ disorder isn’t that serious, the pain might go away in a few days. In the meantime, try to lessen any activity that might aggravate the problem, like chewing gum, clenching your jaw, or opening your mouth really wide while yawning. However, if the dentist thinks that your disorder is too severe to be addressed by the natural healing process, then surgery might be the most viable option.

The best thing to do to prevent TMJ disorders is to be aware of the things you do that might overwork the joint. You may be clenching your jaw during exams, or doing other activities that apply too much pressure on your TMJ.

Don’t be afraid to go to a Concord dental office and talk to a qualified dentist like Dr. Clifford Compton III about your concerns. By maintaining the condition of your TMJ, you will avoid serious health complications.

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