Can Stress Make TMJ Worse?

Stress is the root cause of many problems. But did you know that it can make your TMJ worse? No right. Your oral health and functionality can be severely affected if your jaw movements are harmed. TMJ disorders can lead to extreme pain. You cannot chew food or speak due to this. If you are suffering from temporomandibular joint dysfunction, you need to keep your stress in check.

This article is the right place to explore TMJ. You can learn more about how to prevent stress syndromes. You can also explore how to manage TMJ signs. Let us understand ways to improve jaw health. And implement some effective strategies to avoid stress.

TMJ Disorders

TMJ, or temporomandibular joint, is a complex jaw joint. It is a hinge joint that affects your jaw movements. Your oral functions like eating and speaking are affected if it has any disorder. This joint connects your lower jaw to the base of your skull. It can cause muscles, nerves, or any tissue dysfunction. You can experience the following signs if you have a TMJ disorder:

• jaw pain
• difficulty while chewing or speaking
• neck pain
• headaches
• ear pain
• facial pain
• when you open or close your mouth, a clicking or popping sound comes

While some of these signs can be managed with over-the-counter medications, most need professional intervention. You might need a dental exam to confirm you have TMJ disorder. It is better to visit your dentist if you have any of these signs.

Effects Of Stress On TMJ

Most experts confirm that stress affects TMJ disorders. It can cause chronic pain and extreme discomfort. It might make sleeping or relaxing a challenge. It can further increase your stress levels. This is because you cannot carry out your day-to-day activities properly. Once you fail to take proper rest, your discomfort and pain increase.

Many TMJ disorder patients report they find difficulty in sleeping or staying asleep due to TMJ disorder signs. The lack of sleep triggers daytime fatigue and irritability for the whole day. Lack of rest also leads to difficulty in concentrating on their work.

Stress can worsen your TMJ dysfunction symptoms. It leads to jaw clenching and teeth grinding. It can result in increased muscle tension. This leads to additional strain on your jaw. This tension can cause more pain and discomfort while speaking or eating.

The consistent pain can take a toll on your mental health. It is better to address these signs as soon as you can. It can help you manage your stress levels. It will also allow you to relax and get a good night’s sleep.

Steps to Follow To Manage TMJ Disorder

Regular exercise
Breathing exercises are great for pain management. You can also try meditation to calm your nerves. A simple evening walk can distract your mind from anxiety.

Avoid Trigger Food Options
Hard and cheap food items are a big no for TMJ disorders. It can put your jaw under tremendous stress. It is better to stick to soft food options. You can even switch to a liquid diet to lighten up your mood.

Heat or Cold Therapy
Pain can be managed better using heat or cold therapy. It will help with inflammation as well. You can ask your dentist to recommend some techniques for such therapy options.

Sleep Cycle
A deep sleep is quite impossible during consistent pain. This is why you might not even try to sleep during this period. If you stay up too late, it will drain your energy. It is better to lie down and let your body relax at night. You need to rest for six hours at least. You need to use a soft pillow and relax even when you cannot sleep.

Professional Guidance
TMJ symptoms can cause extreme stress in your daily life. You need professional guidance to manage its signs. Your dentist and physical therapist can help you calm down your nerves. They will also share some effective tips to tackle discomfort at home easily.

Proactive Steps For Better Health

Most people do not seek professional help until it is too late. You must visit your dentist after every few months. It can help you identify any potential problems. However, if you want to take preventive measures for better oral heath, here are some tips:

Identify triggers
You need to identify stress triggers. You must avoid such activities to reduce stress. If you find your job too stressful, it is better to switch it. You can even try some calming activities. These include using a stress ball or meditation. Some minor lifestyle changes will also help you reduce stress in your life.

Take better care of yourself
You need to follow a healthy lifestyle. Your stress levels indicate that you prioritize your work over your health. You must make your health a top priority. You need to exercise, have a balanced diet, and sleep properly.

Seek Help
Lastly, if you find any pain or oral problem, it is essential to seek help. You must visit your dentist to resolve your problems and queries. Instead of looking for a solution on an unverified website, it is better to consult an expert.

Conclusion

TMJ disorders are quite common yet painful. Most people do not understand the effect of stress on this disorder. They continue to manage their symptoms at home instead of visiting an expert. You should look for trigger signs and consult a professional immediately. You need to make some positive changes in your lifestyle. These changes will help you manage TMJ disorder signs effectively.

You can also visit our experts at Jasper Dentist, TX, to consult your queries. With effective dental exams, they can identify the root cause of your problems. You can follow up with the expert and try some effective strategies to prevent stress disorders in the future.