Sunday, October 20, 2013

Dentists and TMJ Sufferers: Making Your Visit a Little Easier


Going to a dentists office is not something that most individuals enjoy doing. However for those who suffer from TMJ disorder a trip to the dental doctor can be very disconcerting. Let us look at some things you can do to make your next visit a little more bearable.

TMJ disorder stands for temporomandibular joint disorder. It is sometimes referred to as TMJ syndrome or TMJD. The temporomandibular joint connects the mandible to the human skull. When a person suffers from this disorder they experience acute or chronic inflammation of this joint which can lead to terrible pain in the face. It can also make it difficult and uncomfortable for them to open their jaw and to move it.

When you visit a dentists office, you must keep your mouth open for an extended period of time which can be excruciating for a person who suffers from this particular problem. A sufferer of TMJ is not able to keep his or her mouth open for too long a period at once and this can be frustrating for both the patient as well as the dental practitioner.

Even though you may dread the thought of having to keep opening and closing your mouth and the discomfort it brings with it, you still need to make regular visits to a dentists office for check ups and cleanings. Your oral health needs all of the help it can get!

Most TMJ sufferers are not able to floss their teeth on a daily basis because of the mouth problem that they experience. For this reason you should book appointments for cleanings not just every six months but closer to every three to four months. If you go in to see the dental provider and the hygienist three to four times a year as opposed to twice a year then your appointments will take place in a shorter span of time. That means your mouth will not be opened for very long at all!

Those who cannot floss as often or as effectively as they would like to should invest in a water pic. While pics do not work as well as floss to dislodge particles of food from between your teeth, they will help to clean between your teeth better than not flossing at all. Using a water pic will also be gentler on your jaw than using dental floss. Ask the hygienist to recommend a water pic for you and explain the process for using one if you are not familiar with it.

If you are having more than one procedure done at the dentists office in one sitting (such as a check up, cleaning and x-rays) then ask the dentist for the opportunity to rest your mouth and jaw between procedures. If you are worried about pain during the visit then take an Advil approximately 30 minutes before you arrive at the office. Once your arrive home following your appointment put some ice on your jaw and give yourself some time to relax. Consuming a liquid or soft diet immediately following your appointment is advisable as well.

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