Dentistry not only takes care of the problems on the mouth, but there are also instances where it can provide solutions for other health conditions. Dentists can tell if a patient follows proper dental hygiene practice, they can also determine if a patient bites their nails, if they are pregnant, or if they have diabetes. These are only some of the conditions that the dentist can notice. Tribeca North Dentistry helps patients who experience a condition which affects their joints with the help of our TMJ treatments.

What is a TMJ?

TMJ is the abbreviation for the Temporomandibular joint; it is the joint which connects the jaws and the temporal bones of the skull. These joints are located in front of each ear, once the fingers are placed near the ears while the mouth is being closed and opened the joints can be felt. The conditions where the jaws and muscles in the face are affected is called as TMD (Temporomandibular joint disorder).

Causes of Temporomandibular joint disorder

• Teeth grinding or clenching which applies pressure to the joints
• Temporomandibular Joint Osteoarthritis
• Stress which usually causes jaw clenching
• Injury to the teeth or jaw
• Teeth or jaw Misalignments
• Poor posture
• Excessive gum chewing

Signs And Symptoms Of TMD

• Pain and tenderness on the jaw joint area
• Clicking and popping sounds in the ear when opening and closing the jaw
• Locking of the Jaw
• Facial, Head, and Ear pain
• Sore or painful jaw muscles
• Pain and difficulty during chewing

Remedies For Temporomandibular joint disorder

• Using moist heat to reduce the pain felt
• Cold compress to reduce swelling, numb the area, and promote healing
• Taking over the counter pain relievers to get temporary relief from pain and discomfort
• Eating soft foods to let the jaws relax for the meantime
• Foods rich in magnesium can help relax muscle tension
• Omega 3 intake which is anti-inflammatory
• Slowly and carefully massage or exercise the jaws from time to time
• Avoid bad habits such as excessive gum chewing or biting down on something hard
• Avoid opening the mouth too much when yawning

Performing home remedies can help in alleviating the pain or discomfort of the Temporomandibular joint disorder. But getting professional help from a dentist is a much better idea to reduce the symptoms associated with the condition.Suffering from severe pain and discomfort due to Temporomandibular joint disorder? Contact us at Tribeca North Dentistry for your appointment on TMJ treatments in New York. Our passionate team is always ready to serve you.