Experiencing Discomfort While Chewing?
Experiencing discomfort, clicking sounds, or fatigue while chewing or biting could indicate issues with your jaw joint or adjacent muscles. At the TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of New Orleans, we assess your bite alignment, joint positioning, and muscle function to help you regain comfort and optimal performance.
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Elements Leading to Painful or Challenging Chewing
Chewing ranks as one of the most intricate functions performed by your jaw, demanding coordinated action from muscles, joints, and teeth. When any component is misaligned or suffers from inflammation, even soft foods can trigger discomfort or frequent tiredness.
“Individuals with temporomandibular disorders frequently describe diminished chewing ability and efficiency compared to healthy individuals.”
PMC Article on masticatory function in TMD
Several factors can lead to these challenges, such as improper bites, displacement of the disc in the TMJ, and muscle tension caused by clenching or bruxism. Many patients unconsciously prefer one side for chewing, resulting in the overuse of specific muscles and worsening the current imbalance.
Continuous strain on the jaw’s muscles, ligaments, and joint contributes to chewing fatigue. This persistent pressure can lead to discomfort radiating to the temples, ears, or neck. At the TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of New Orleans, we analyze bite alignment, conduct joint imaging, and evaluate muscle performance to identify the root cause, then create treatment strategies aimed at restoring proper chewing function.
When To Seek Treatment
If you feel discomfort or acute pain while chewing, it may indicate an issue with your jaw joint or the muscles surrounding it that requires assessment.
A sensation of heaviness or fatigue in your jaw during mealtime could point to ineffective muscle use or strain affecting the associated muscle groups.
If you experience challenges in fully opening or closing your mouth, or biting down properly, this might signal issues with joint discs or alignment.
Alterations in the alignment of your teeth can signify progressive joint wear or muscular imbalances that may affect your chewing functionality.
Relief begins with the right diagnosis
Struggling with chewing may indicate an underlying issue, as the joints and muscles should function effectively when under pressure. At the TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of New Orleans, we prioritize the diagnosis and management of TMJ disorders to bring back comfort, strength, and harmony to your jaw.
Frequently Asked Questions About Difficulty Chewing
Numerous individuals postpone jaw assessments, viewing mild chewing discomfort as tolerable. Below are frequent inquiries to assist you in determining when to seek help.
TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre
Global Expertise
As proud members of TMJ International, we are part of a global team dedicated to advancing collaborative care in TMJ disorders and sleep therapy. Together, we bring innovation, expertise, and compassionate treatment to help patients find lasting relief and a healthier quality of life.
If you’re struggling with jaw pain, headaches, or sleep issues, the TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of Kansas City is here to help. Our team specializes in non-surgical TMJ and sleep therapy solutions designed to restore comfort and improve your quality of life.
Over 70 Centres
Decades