There is no single definitive cause for TMJ disorder; several risk factors could potentially be contributing to the constant pain in your jaw. Among these risk factors, a particularly common one is stress. How exactly can your mental well-being have an impact on your jaw, and what can you do to find the relief you deserve? Here’s a closer look at what you need to know about the relationship between stress and TMJ disorder.
What is a TMJ Disorder?
TMJ is short for temporomandibular joint, which is the hinge-like joint that you use to move your jaw whenever you chew your food or speak to others. If this joint becomes overworked or injured, the result is a TMJ disorder. Common symptoms of this condition include jaw pain, headaches, ear pain, and hearing a clicking or popping sound when moving your mouth.
How Can Stress Be Connected to TMJ Disorder?
Stress can often trigger bruxism, which is a condition that causes you to unconsciously grind or clench your teeth. Untreated bruxism can put a lot of pressure on your jaw joints and exacerbate the pain caused by your TMJ disorder.
On top of that, stress can encourage certain habits that can potentially contribute to your TMJ disorder. For example, some people might chew on their fingernails as a response to stress. This can put a lot of unnecessary strain on your jaw and result in further discomfort.
What Can You Do About Stress and TMJ Disorder?
Reducing your stress can often go a long way toward reducing your TMJ disorder symptoms. Consider taking up stress-reducing activities such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing. It’s also a good idea to identify the things in your life that are causing your stress and take whatever steps you can to avoid or mitigate them.
Of course, you should also make sure that your TMJ disorder is directly treated by a professional. Oftentimes, your dentist can help address the root of your jaw pain with an occlusal splint. When worn at night, this simple oral appliance can move the lower jaw forward to help it find a better resting position, which reduces the pressure on the jaw joints and gives them a chance to recover. It can also offer protection against nighttime bruxism.
Could stress be partially to blame for your TMJ disorder? If so, it’s essential to be proactive about addressing the problem. The sooner you get your stress under control and get your jaw the treatment it needs, the sooner you can enjoy lasting relief.
About the Author
Dr. Asra Javeed went to the Boston University School of Dental Medicine. She strives to bring her patients the best care that modern dentistry has to offer by keeping up with the latest technology, such as digital imaging and 3D scanning. She’s proud to be able to help her patients find relief from TMJ-related pain with occlusal splints and BOTOX® treatments. If you think you’re suffering from TMJ disorder, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Javeed at Smile Care Family Dentistry in Virginia Beach by visiting her website or calling (757) 498-6420.