TMJ pains can be quite disturbing. The pains affect the jaws, making it tough to eat, sleep, or even relax. While there are many causes of TMJ pain, the correct diagnosis is vital for treatment. Among the most common causes of TMJ pains include blood vessel problems, problems with your nervous system, and even trauma from physical injury.
The pain affects the temporomandibular joints, which are responsible for joint movement. However, there are instances when the pain may arise from some of your lifestyle choices, as well as common behaviors.
Common Behavioral Causes Of TMJ Pains
The joint pains may arise from the movement of your jaws. For instance, they may be as a result of bruxism, which is the constant grinding and clenching of teeth. This repetitive habit may easily result in the wearing of teeth, the internal derangement of the TMJ, or even straining the TMJ muscles.
In some cases, this behavior might actually be involuntary, and it might occur when thinking or during sleep. Also, the condition may arise from habitually chewing using one side of the mouth. With time, the non-chewing side of the TMJ will experience an increase in pressure, which leads to the change of its structure.
Lastly, the pains could be a result of behaviors outside how you use your mouth. For instance, emotional stress could easily lead to TMJ pains. Other causes include having inadequate sleep, fatigue, and even the lack of specific nutrients.
Regardless of the factors that cause it, TMJ should never be left untreated. Otherwise, you might cause further harm to your jaw structure, let alone having to live with excessive pain. Contact us to get your teeth checked. Remember, the right diagnosis is vital for treatment, which is why you should work with reputable dentists.