Know these 6 Common Myths About TMJ Disorder

 

The movement of our jaw is dependent on the joints located right below our ears. It is these joints – known as the Temporomandibular Joints (TMJ) – that allow us to talk, laugh, drink, and eat. If TMJ gets damaged and doesn’t heal enough, it leads to a condition known as TMJ Disorder. Skilled dentists offer TMJ treatment in Albuquerque to effectively resolve this problem. Just like every other dental treatment, several myths about TMJ disorder have been making the rounds lately. To help you get a better understanding about it, here are the top 6 myths debunked:

Myth 1: TMJ Disorder Always Requires Surgery

Several people believe that TMJ treatment is surgical. Surgery is only one of the many treatment options for the disorder. Upon evaluating your case, the dentist will offer a mouth guard or suggest using orthodontic appliances to reduce discomfort and teeth grinding. Surgery is rare and only recommended to patients when the disorder is severe.

Myth 2: TMJ Disorder is Caused Only by Accidents

TMJ disorder is mostly caused by accidents and injuries, but that isn’t the only cause for the same. Other medical conditions such as Bruxism and Malocclusion also lead to this disorder. Just in case you didn’t know, bruxism means teeth grinding, and malocclusion refers to bite issues where the upper and lower teeth are misaligned while closing the jaw.

Myth 3: TMJ Disorder Affects Only the Jaw

Regardless of the name, TMJ disorder do not impact the jaw joints alone. Since the muscles are interconnected, TMJ disorder shall cause pain or discomfort in the ears, shoulders, neck, head etc. In fact, a majority of people with the disorder have experienced headaches due to the pain spreading across the upper body.

Myth 4: TMJ Disorder isn’t Serious

TMJ disorder isn’t simple. It must be cured with an appropriate TMJ treatment in Albuquerque to prevent other health problems. Besides pain and discomfort, TMJ disorder impacts your sleep, weakens your immune system, and causes difficulty in eating. Not to mention how poor nutrition can affect your physical and mental health.

Myth 5: TMJ Disorder is Rare

Not true. Millions of people experience TMJ disorder and seek medical assistance from a dentist in Albuquerque NM. People of all ages can get affected by this disorder.

Myth 6: No Jaw Popping means No TMJ Disorder

If your jaw stopped clicking or popping, it doesn’t necessarily mean that TMJ disorder has been cured. Look out for other symptoms such as bite problems, ear pain, numbness, muscle spasms, and facial pain. Consult a qualified dentist to evaluate with relevant examinations.

Leading dental care centers offering treatments such as dental implants, bridges, teeth whitening in Albuquerque and more, do provide TMJ treatments at reasonable rates. Now that you’ve obtained more clarity about TMJ disorder, make sure to get it cured with the assistance of a dentist.

Expert Diet Tips to Follow After the TMJ Surgery

 

After undertaking TMJ surgery, it is necessary to follow a special diet until you can eat and drink normally. During the recovery process, you must be mindful of what you eat, to make sure that the bone heals as intended. The foods you eat will have a great influence on the recovery process after TMJ treatment in Albuquerque. For quick healing, follow these diet tips described below by an expert surgeon.

Start with Liquid Diet:

At the beginning stages of recovery, your body must be supplied with sufficient vitamins from nutritious drinks or liquid foods. You can use a blender or a food processor to make a meal that is easy to swallow/doesn’t require chewing. Make sure to strain the blended food for quick consumption. You can season the food with margarine or butter to add more flavour. Always remember not to consume food using straw during recovery after TMJ treatment in Albuquerque.

Incorporate a Variety of Nutrients:

In order to smoothen the healing process and maintain good health, you should consume food with a variety of nutrients. Choose foods with lower fat content. Each food group provides various nutrients to your body, so make sure to add variety to your diet for the best results.

Eat Soft Solid Foods When You Can:

Once the dentist in Albuquerque NM allows you to eat soft solid foods, you can shift from your liquid diet. Depending on your condition, your oral surgeon will determine when is it okay for you to do so. Some of the recommended foods that fall in this category include:

• Mashed vegetables
• Scrambled or boiled eggs
• Pasta
• Yogurt
• Soft fruits
• Beans
• Fish
• Well cooked and soft risotto, and more.

It will take some time to get used to chewing once again, and you would also probably feel a swelling sensation at the beginning. So, give yourself some time and be patient through the process. Remember that your body is still healing after the TMJ surgery. If you find it too hard to chew, you can proceed with purees, juices, and smoothies that supply just the right amount of nutrients. Buying drinks from the store is usually not recommended due to its excess sugar content.

Foods to Avoid:

Just like other dental procedures such as teeth whitening in Albuquerque, eating the wrong food can adversely impact the process of your TMJ treatment. Make sure to always stay away from hard and chewy foods throughout recovery. Excess chewing will prevent your jaws from healing. Avoid the following list of foods:

• Carrots
• Apples
• Ice
• Candy
• Pretzels
• Nuts
• Toffee
• Steak
• Gum, and more.

Always listen to your body when consuming your diet. If you have any questions on the diet, don’t hesitate to ask the dentist. A diet plan recommended by an expert will include all the necessary nutrients that facilitate quick and effective healing. Get in touch with a TMJ specialist today for more information.