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Is Quarantine Hurting Your Jaw?

Man in blue shirt experiencing TMJ disorder in BullardIt seems like everyone is dealing with COVID-19 in their own way, however it’s safe to say that the virus has caused some heightened anxiety and stress in general. For good reason too, the Coronavirus is highly contagious, which leaves many worried about where they go and the things they touch. If you’ve been experiencing abnormal jaw pain during quarantine, it may be due to this added stress! Keep reading to learn more about this jaw pain and why it may be TMJ disorder in Bullard.

How Does Stress Cause Jaw Pain?

Stress can bring on many side effects without you even knowing it. One of the most common problems that stress causes is jaw clenching and teeth grinding. This constant pressure put on your smile not only hurts your teeth with issues like cracks and fractures, but it can cause pain and soreness in the jaw joints. Especially if you’re already prone to clenching or grinding, stress can put immense pressure on your jawbone.

Do You Have TMJ Disorder?

TMJ disorder is a condition that can occur, which results in dysfunction of your jawbone. The temporomandibular (TMJ) joints are a group of muscles that allow your jawbone to move up and down freely—like chewing, speaking and laughing. However, when these muscles go through abnormal wear, or experience extra pressure, it can cause TMJ disorder. The symptoms of this problem are usually warning signs like:

  • Pain or tenderness in the jaw
  • Aching pain in and around your ears
  • Pain in one or both TMJ joints
  • Aching facial pain
  • Difficulty chewing or pain when eating
  • Locking jaw joint making it difficult to open and close your mouth

What Can You Do to Get Relief?

The best way to treat TMJ disorder is by contacting your dentist in Bullard. They will provide you with a custom-made oral appliance that you’ll wear during the night for TMJ therapy. It is designed to alleviate pressure and relieve pain in the jaw. Additionally, if you don’t have this oral appliance during the Coronavirus, be sure to use a nightguard if you tend to grind your teeth while sleeping.

Because stress can cause or exacerbate preexisting jaw problems, a great way to deal with pain is to employ relaxation methods. Try exercising to clear your mind, or you can meditate. Additionally, find an activity or hobby during this time that makes you happy. Something this simple can eliminate stress while helping your jaw get some pain relief!

It’s okay to be stressed at this time, but just remember the common signs of TMJ disorder. If you feel pain, use this information to stay healthy and smiling during all this uncertainty.

Meet the Dentist

Dr. Tad Morgan has decades of dental experience in treating a wide variety of cases. He understands that the Coronavirus and the stress it causes can have surprising effects on your mouth, which is why he wants you to know more about TMJ disorder. If you have any questions, he can be reached through his website or by phone at (903) 825-1112.