Watch Out For These Symptoms. They Could Be Telling You Something.
Are you suffering from unexplained headaches? Do you feel discomfort in your jaw and are unsure of the cause? While there could be many reasons for headaches and jaw tenderness, it is time to reflect upon your life, and you might find the culprit. If you are often under large amounts of stress due to your career or personal life, you may be suffering from a common dental condition. Continue reading to learn more.
Stress and Your Mouth
When we are children, we dream of becoming an adult. Unfortunately, once you reach that stage in your life, it isn’t always what it is cracked up to be. Between family, career, and a personal life, there are many circumstances and events that can bring on added stress. Especially with all that we have been through since last year, a large number of adults who have never experienced stress are suddenly having lasting effects on their overall and oral health.
If you are experiencing headaches, jaw tenderness, or even unexplained cracked or worn teeth, you might be suffering from temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMD. TMD is a common condition that occurs when the joint that attaches to your skull and jawbone is not functioning properly. It can bring great discomfort to the jaw joints and face muscles. TMD is a condition that some patients experience for a large portion of their lives, while others, like those under extreme stress, experience suddenly.
How To Relieve Symptoms
If you feel that you are experiencing symptoms related to TMD, we want to see you in our office for an appointment where we can do a complete evaluation. In the meantime, there are minor adjustments that can be made at home to relieve the discomfort you are experiencing, the first of which is to try and relax your body and jaw as often as possible. We also suggest:
- Eating a diet of softer foods and staying away from tough or chewy foods
- Being mindful of your posture and being sure not to slouch
- Using hot and cold compresses when needed
- Getting a good night’s sleep
If TMD is not treated, the symptoms could increase and become more severe over time. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or are interested in learning more about TMD, please contact our office located in St. Marys, GA today to schedule an appointment. We look forward to seeing you soon.
