Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/791562
22 WAC Magazine | wac.net living fit jaw health More than 15 percent of American adults suffer from chronic facial pain, including jaw pain, headaches, or earaches. In many cases, these issues emanate from one or both of your temporomandibular joints (TMJs), the critical hinge that connects your jaw to your skull. Problems with your TMJ are broadly referred to as TMJ disorders. In many cases, stress brings about TMJ problems as prolonged periods of clenching or grinding your teeth, typi- cally at night, lead to soreness and other issues, including cracked teeth. "TMJ disorders are very complex," says Dr. Larry Kuhl, chief dental con- sultant at Delta Dental of Washington. "ey involve inflammation of the tissues in and around the jaw joint and result in varying degrees of pain and dysfunction." Put an end to jaw pain Understanding and treating TMJ Jaw clicking while yawning or opening your mouth wide. Pain or tenderness in your jaw. Having your jaw lock in the open or closed position. Signs of a TMJ disorder Although there is no single cause of TMJ disorders, genetics, acute trauma, existing dental conditions, and oral habits all play a role. Many sufferers of TMJ disorders fail to speak with their dentist or physician about the issue and don't know how to help themselves. e following self-care tips can reduce your pain. • Avoid foods that require a lot of chewing, including gum. • Massage the affected areas when pain is present. • Practice techniques for relaxing and reducing stress. Meditation and deep breathing can help. • Apply ice packs to soothe the muscles. Also, make sure to speak with your dentist. ey can recommend a mouth guard and offer other suggestions that can reduce or altogether stop your pain. Intraoral Massage The WAC now offers intraoral massage. This manual treatment focuses on the jaw muscles, neck, shoulders, and face to bring about relief from headaches, locked jaw muscles, and other TMJ–related stress. Intraoral massage can also help clients who have experienced prolonged dental treatments or whiplash. 45 minutes; $79; wacspa@wac.net