When you think of teeth grinding and jaw problems, you probably think of nighttime grinding. Although this is a common reason many people have problems with their temporomandibular joint (TMJ), there are some other causes that may surprise you.
It turns out, some nervous habits and even some medications could be aggravating your TMJs and causing jaw pain.
Chewing on Objects
Do your pens or pencils have teeth marks on them? Do you love to chomp on ice cubes? Do you find yourself chomping inside your cheek? These are common habits often caused by nervousness or anxiety that could be wreaking havoc on your TMJ. Regular chewing of hard objects or inside the mouth can cause inflammation of the jaw joint and lead to temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD).
These can also be difficult habits to break. Chewing is often done unconsciously, and may even be a way of coping with stress. Look into stress management and relaxation techniques to help you kick the habit. At MedCenter TMJ, we teach our patients that chronic stress can harm your health. For this reason, we urge patients to work toward healthy ways to manage stress such as exercise, meditation, deep breathing, and other recognized stress reduction techniques.
Some cases of stress or anxiety may need the guidance of a mental health professional, so don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.
Medications for Depression and ADHD
Many people take antidepressants such as Paxil, Zoloft, and Prozac, which are a type of drug known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Certain types of SSRIs are also prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Although these drugs are effective and generally safe when used as prescribed, patients should be aware of potential side effects.
If you are having jaw or facial pain and taking an SSRI, the pain may worsen with your medication. Recent research has found that some patients experienced bruxism (grinding), broken teeth, and headaches after they began taking an SSRI.
Do not stop taking any of your medications without talking with your physician first. Many people can continue to take their SSRI and get treatment for TMD, allowing them to receive treatment for depression or ADHD while managing their jaw health simultaneously.
Whatever the cause, jaw pain, clicking, grinding, and headaches should never be ignored. Contact MedCenter TMJ to learn more about how we can help with jaw pain and TMJ problems. With proper treatment and care, you can achieve relief from TMD and get back to your life.
Original Source: https://www.medcentertmj.com/tmj-disorder-causes-treatments/three-surprising-things-that-cause/