If you’re like most people in Leander, Texas, you probably don’t think about your jaw all that often. But if you’re one of the millions of Americans who suffer from TMJ disorder, you know just how vital your jaw health can be. Seeing a competent TMJ Leander specialist is critical in understanding how best to manage the condition. Take a look at some of the things that put you at risk for developing TMJ disorder.
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Teeth Grinding
One of the most common risk factors for TMJ disorder is bruxism. This habit can put a lot of stress on your jaw muscles and joints, causing them to become inflamed and painful. If you think you may be grinding your teeth at night, talk to your dentist about getting a mouth guard to protect your teeth.
Mouthguards are designed to protect your teeth from grinding and clenching at night. They work by creating a barrier between your upper and lower teeth, which prevents them from making contact with each other.
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Arthritis in the TMJ
This condition can cause inflammation and pain in the jaw joint, making it difficult to move your mouth. If you think you may have arthritis in your TMJ, talk to your doctor about treatment options.
The best treatment for arthritis will vary depending on the individual case. However, some common treatments for arthritis include pain medication, physical therapy, and surgery.
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Injury or Trauma to the Jaw
If you have suffered physical stress to your jaw, you may be at risk of developing TMJ disorder. It has something to do with the injury as it can cause damage to the muscles, ligaments, and bones in the jaw, which can lead to pain and inflammation. If you have had an injury to your jaw, it is crucial to see a doctor to ensure that you do not have any severe damage.
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Poor Feeding Habits
If you bite or chew your food improperly, you may be putting yourself at risk for TMJ disorder. This is because biting or chewing improperly can put undue stress on your jaw muscles and joints, causing them to become inflamed. If you think you may be grinding or chewing improperly, talk to your dentist about how to correct your technique.
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Stress
Mental disorders or instability has a close connection to the condition. Stress can cause you to clench your teeth and grind your jaw, leading to pain and inflammation. If you are under a lot of pressure, it is vital to find ways to relax and reduce your stress levels.
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Dislocation of the Jaw
It’s not a good sign if you have a problem with the disc between the ball and socket joint. The dislocation can cause damage to the muscles, ligaments, and bones in your jaw, which can lead to pain and inflammation. If you think you may have a dislocated jaw, it is essential to see a doctor as soon as possible.
In conclusion, many things can put you at risk for developing TMJ disorder. Some of the most common risk factors include teeth grinding, arthritis in the TMJ, injury or trauma to the jaw, improper biting or chewing, stress, and dislocation of the jaw. If you think you may be at risk for TMJ disorder, it is essential to talk to your doctor about treatment options.
