It is a known fact that stress can affect various aspects of your health. One less common, but significant, area impacted by stress is your temporomandibular joint or TMJ. This connection between stress and TMJ disorders is not widely understood or appreciated, yet it is crucial to the health of millions of people worldwide who suffer from this condition.
What is TMJ?
Before we into the impact of stress on TMJ disorders, let’s first understand what TMJ is. The temporomandibular joint connects your lower jaw to your skull.
This joint, which we use every day for talking, eating, yawning, and more, can sometimes cause pain and discomfort – a condition known as temporomandibular joint disorder or TMD. Symptoms can include jaw pain, headaches, difficulty chewing, and even earaches.
How Does Stress Impact TMJ Disorders?
Stress is a significant determinant in the occurrence and severity of TMJ disorders. When you are stressed, your body’s response is often physical, and this extends to your jaw muscles as well.
There are several ways stress impacts TMJ disorders:
Increased Muscle Tension:
Under stress, your body unconsciously prepares for a “fight or flight” response. This preparation involves tensing your muscles, including those of your jaw. Over time, this increased tension can lead to a TMJ disorder.
Clenching and Grinding:
One common physical manifestation of stress is the clenching and grinding of teeth – known as bruxism. This excessive pressure on the TMJ can cause wear and tear over time.
Treating TMJ Disorders Stemming from Stress
Addressing high stress levels can often lead to relief from TMJ disorder symptoms. Here are some methods to mitigate the effects of stress:
Relaxation Techniques:
Activities like meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can help manage stress levels and relax your mind and body.
Physical Therapy:
Physical therapy techniques focused on relaxing and strengthening jaw muscles can help in managing TMJ disorders caused by stress.
Behavioral Therapy:
Behavioral therapy can guide you towards habits that alleviate stress and break the cycle of stress-related TMJ disorders.
How Miami Designer Smiles Can Help
At Miami Designer Smiles, under the expert guidance of Dr. Concepcion Sanchez-Garcia and Dr. Raul Garcia, we have dedicated our practice to providing comprehensive dental care, including evaluating and treating TMJ disorders affected by stress.
We believe in treating the source of the problem, not just the symptoms. So, if your TMJ disorder is rooted in stress, we aim to help you manage that stress effectively in addition to treating your TMJ disorder.
Your health, comfort, and smile are our top priorities. Experience the difference at Miami Designer Smiles.