Over the Holidays, stress often translates directly into physical tension, impacting your jaw and causing Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD). Are you experiencing: headaches, aching facial muscles, or jaw pain? You might be grinding or clenching your teeth, which can result in discomfort and tooth wear.
TMD can stem from a variety of factors. It frequently involves conditions where the chewing muscles and jaw joints are interfered with, such as when the teeth do not meet evenly (a condition known as malocclusion). Daytime clenching under stress, nighttime teeth grinding (bruxism), and nighttime teeth clenching are significant contributors to TMD. When malocclusion is present, stress often intensifies the issue, triggering more bruxism as you sleep. During periods like the holidays, you may be more likely to notice greater jaw muscle tenderness as a result.
Unfortunately, an increase in grinding and clenching or chronic bruxism leads to faster than normal tooth wear and can produce hairline fractures in dental enamel. If you are experiencing morning headaches and/or face, neck, or jaw pain, Dr. Isaac Comfortes is an ideal clinician to evaluate whether you have TMD and provide the appropriate plan of treatment. Treatment may include procedures to improve your bite, a nightguard to relax your jaw muscles as you sleep and protect your teeth, and myofascial massage.
The Total Health Solution: Relaxation and Protection
Dr. Comfortes offers these tips to manage the tension that leads to head and neck tension pain:
- Schedule a TMD Evaluation by Dr. Isaac Comfortes.
- Get Fitted for a Custom Nightguard: A custom-fit occlusal nightguard protects your teeth from grinding forces and allows your jaw muscles to relax, promoting more restorative sleep.
- Implement the Five-Minute Pause: Schedule two five-minute breaks daily to focus only on deep breathing. This instantly reduces cortisol (the stress hormone).
- Practice the Power of Saying “No”: Protect your energy by being selective about social engagements and setting healthy boundaries.
- Prioritize Sleep Hygiene: Avoid screens for at least 30 minutes before bed and keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet.
More Jaw Pain Related Articles:
TMD Treatment – Encino dentist Dr. Isaac Comfortes, D.D.S.
What is Malocclusion: Understanding Your Bite
Why Did My Tooth Break? – Encino dentist Dr. Isaac Comfortes, D.D.S.
The general, cosmetic and reconstructive dental practice of Encino dentist Dr. Isaac Comfortes is devoted to restoring optimal oral health, which supports whole body health and enhances the natural beauty of smiles.
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