Posted: September 14, 2021
It is not always clear what causes temporomandibular joint disorders and their symptoms. When lifestyle factors such as stress, poor posture, or eating habits lead to a TMJ flare-up, it usually goes away on its own. However, when underlying issues like teeth grinding and a misaligned bite are at play, achieving relief typically requires the help of a skilled neuromuscular dentist.
Sometimes, the symptoms of TMJ disorders can be treated with self-care practices, such as:
- Eating soft foods
- Using ice to reduce swelling
- Correcting bad posture
- Avoiding tough foods and chewing gum
- Practicing stress management
You may find that these steps are enough to keep pain and inflammation at bay. If so, you may decide not to seek professional treatment for your temporomandibular joint disorder just yet.
However, you should be aware that home remedies are merely band-aid solutions. They cannot address the root causes of TMJ. Some of those causes include bruxism, bite misalignment, arthritis, and jaw trauma. And they must be addressed in order to achieve long-lasting relief.
If you grind and clench your teeth, you might benefit from a mouthguard. If the issue is your jaw alignment, a custom orthotic may be recommended to achieve the proper position. And if your teeth need to be fixed to restore your bite, dental procedures such as crowns will likely be ideal.
You do not have to live with chronic headaches, facial tenderness, jaw inflammation, and other painful symptoms. There is hope. Our Austin TMJ dentist can help you find the right treatment.
Schedule a TMJ Consultation Today
Dr. John Schmid has extensive experience with diagnosing and treating TMJ. He understands that no two cases are exactly alike and will work to address your unique needs. Call 512-329-5967 today to schedule a consultation at Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry. We serve patients in Austin, Bee Cave, Lakeway, and other nearby areas of Texas.
