3 Ways to Fend Off TMJ Symptoms

The temporomandibular joint, which connects your jaw to your skull, can sometimes become injured or damaged. When this happens, a disorder known as temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ) can occur. Symptoms include severe pain in the jaw and ear, popping sounds, stiffness and several others. The good news is there are some things you can do to keep symptoms at bay.

  Avoid Chewing Gum or Ice  Chewing gum or munching on the ice requires you to

use the same jaw movements repeatedly. Doing so in excess could cause your jaw to lock up. If you have TMJ, or even if you don't but sometimes have pain, avoid gum and ice.

Stop Being Stressed  Easier said than done, of course, but try to avoid

stress. For many people, too much stress results in grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw, which makes symptoms worse. If you do become stressed, find alternative ways to handle it.

 Use stress ballsListen to musicGo for a runRead a bookTake a nap  Go to the Dentist

Regular dental appointments will help you determine if you are risk of suffering from symptoms. Your dentist will also be able to tell you if your teeth are misaligned, which can contribute to the onset of symptoms.

  TMJ can be extremely painful and quite the nuisance,

but with proper care, you can avoid the symptoms. Visit the website to find out more about TMJ treatment in Capitola.