Why Should You See a Dentist for TMJ Pain?

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint. This joint connects your jaw with your skull and allows you to open and close your mouth. When it comes to chewing, TMJ plays the most important role by pushing your jaw forward, backward and sideways. If you’re suffering from TMJ disorder that doesn’t allow you to open and close your mouth, you need immediate medical attention. A TMJ dentist in OKC can help you fix your TMJ problems and provide you relief.

Causes

TMJ disorders have various causes. Problems in your muscles and joints in your jaw can result in TMJ disorder. And in many cases it’s hard to know what the exact causes are. Whatever the causes, you should immediately contact a TMJ specialist.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should immediately contact a TMJ dentist:

  • Pain in your jaw that gets worse as the time passes.

  • Migraine

  • Facial pain

  • Feeling of pressure and pain behind your eyes.

  • Popping and clicking sound during the time of opening the jaw.

  • Locked jaw

  • Sore jaw muscles

Home Remedy

It’s found that most of the TMJ disorders are temporary. Sometimes home treatments are enough for the pain to go away. Here are a few important tips that your dentist will tell you to follow:

  • Avoid hard food and try to eat soft food that doesn’t require a lot of chewing.

  • Do not open your mouth too wide while trying to eat something.

  • If the pain is still consistent, follow the soft food diet for a longer period of time.

  • Apply the heat at the side of your face for 15 minutes. It will reduce your pain.

  • Anti-inflammatory drugs can help you relieve muscle pain and swelling.

  • If the pain doesn’t go away, contact a TMJ dentist in OKC. Your dentist may recommend you splint to take the pressure off your joints.

Apart from this, you can relieve your pain by keeping your teeth apart, sleeping on your back rather than stomach and reducing your stress level.

If you’re suffering from TMJ disorder, seeking a TMJ dentist’s help is the wisest decision. Visit TMJ & Sleep Therapy Center of Oklahoma for the treatment of your TMJ disorders. It has TMJ specialists to help you fix your problem. Schedule your appointment today.

**Disclaimer: The information on this page is not intended to be a doctor's advice, nor does it create any form of patient-doctor relationship.