Keeping the Temporomandibular Joint Safe

Let Dr. Mark Phillipe Help You Protect Your TMD

The temporomandibular joint, otherwise called TMJ, is a vital part of our health and wellness. If anything happens to this seemingly inconsequential area, you would have difficulty swallowing, chewing and talking, as dental jaw pain can cause great discomfort. This is why it is important to keep the temporomandibular jaw in the best shape possible.

Dr. Phillipe of Lakefront Family Dentistry is not just a CEREC restoration specialist. He also treats and prevents all types of dental problems, including temporomandibular disorder or TMD. Please note that he believes in prevention, as well as curing current oral health issues. Here are some of his tips to battle TMJ pain.

Call (951) 244-9495 for an Appointment or Schedule it Online Today.

Battle Stress with Light Exercise

Endorphins are happy hormones that help fight stress. In most cases, 30-minutes-to-an-hour of light exercise each day can help you get rid of stress and anxiety. Low-impact, physical activity helps release happy hormones into our system and may help alleviate the discomfort caused by TMJ.

However, while exercise and stress techniques are helpful, they cannot correct tooth gnashing. Therefore, while stress may go away in time, there will still be episodes of night grinding. This is why it is important to seek dental help to keep the jaws and teeth safe from further damage.

Stop Night Grinding

Stress has become a normal part of our daily existence. Children and adults who are overly anxious may tend to grind or clench their teeth. This is called Bruxism and it can become quite difficult to control if it is left untreated.

A person who suffers from this condition will often wake up with pain in the facial area, commonly the temples or cheeks.  The patient may also have overly sensitive and worn down premolars and molars.

While one can try different approaches to battling stress, it may take time before a person finally stops night grinding. This is why a night guard should be worn. This appliance protects the teeth and the temporomandibular jaw from the wear and tear forces caused by gnashing.

Do Not Ignore the Symptoms

One might notice a popping sensation while chewing, face or neck tenderness and even difficulty chewing or swallowing. Instead of shrugging it off and thinking it will go away, it would be best to visit a TMD/TMJ specialist, like Dr. Phillipe, DDS.

A specialist can help you assess possible treatment plans to prevent further damage to your already delicate TMD. Also, if it is already under severe stress, an experienced dentist, like Dr. Phillipe, can provide you with the best corrective measures to ensure that it heals properly.

The temporomandibular joint is a very sensitive area. It goes through so much daily, as it is involved in many facial actions. Keeping this vital joint safe should be our topmost priority and this is why it would be unwise to ignore any possible symptoms.

If you think that you have dental jaw disorder, it would be best to visit a specialist at once. Waiting for it to heal on its own will only make the problem worsen over time. Call Lakefront Family Dentistry at (951) 244-9495 or schedule an appointment online.