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Any nutritional deficiency can rob your body of the essential building blocks required to thrive. As a result, we are subjected to various health complications. One such widespread problem is TMJ disorder. Using the right vitamins for treating TMJ disorder has been very effective.
This article will share a list of supplements that work wonders in treating this condition.
The Trouble With TMJ
For those who aren’t aware of the term TMJ disorder, let us try to explain it in the simplest way possible. TMJ refers to the hinge joints connecting either side of your jawbone to the skull. With time, problems can arise with these joints, resulting in aching, grinding pain in the jaw. Sometimes, you might hear clicking sounds while opening and closing your jaw. Other times, the condition is accompanied by earaches, chewing problems, trouble opening the mouth, or facial discomfort. There are several culprits to be blamed for the malfunction:
- Genetics
- Anatomy
- Arthritis
- Connective tissue disorders
- Injury to the jaw
- Bruxism
- Vitamin deficiency
Luckily, specific vitamins can help with the condition and have proven effective in treating TMJ disorder.
Vitamins for TMJ Disorder: Are They Right for You?
Whether your diet is very healthy or unhealthy, you can never be sure of a vitamin deficiency. After all, it isn’t just what you eat. Your behaviors, as well as genetics, also impact how your body processes food. Sometimes, vitamin deficiencies are diagnosed with a mix of blood work along with a clinical evaluation.
If you are concerned that vitamin deficiency might be connected with TMJ, you should talk with your doctor. Even if you don’t have an apparent deficiency, vitamins and supplements can help with your TMJ symptoms. However, it is essential to be cautious and take a healthcare provider on board to prevent vitamin toxicity. Make sure to stick to the guidelines provided on the packaging.
Vitamins and Supplements to Treat TMJ Disorder
Let’s look at a few vitamins and supplements that can help treat TMJ:
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is essential for collagen production and healthy, painful joints. This vitamin is mainly known for keeping colds at bay and as a powerful antioxidant. Moreover, it also boosts your immunity, prevents damage to cells, and reduces capillary fragility. This vitamin is water soluble and is also found in many fruits and vegetables. It has a low risk of toxicity, so it is a very safe option to begin with.
Vitamin D
Also known as the sunshine vitamin, vitamin D is produced by the body when exposed to sunlight. It isn’t found in a lot of food sources. Hence, it is best to consume it in the form of supplements. Many people are deficient in vitamin D. That is unfortunate as this vitamin is essential for many critical bodily functions, especially muscle and bone health. Taking vitamin D supplements not only strengthens your bones, improves muscle function, helps with TMJ disorders, and also decreases pain significantly. Vitamin D will greatly enhance your mood as well.
Calcium
Calcium is essential for bone health, nerve signaling, and muscle functioning. Having adequate calcium can help your jaw relax and help with the problems associated with TMJ. Milk, yogurt, and cheese are natural sources of calcium. It is also available as a supplement if you aren’t a fan of dairy. Generally, your body can manage calcium levels very effectively, but excessive amounts of calcium can lead to kidney problems.
Magnesium
Magnesium is essential for controlling biochemical reactions in the body. It is also necessary for muscle and nerve function as well as structural development of bones, blood glucose control, and energy production. This multitasking mineral reduces inflammation, relaxes tense muscles, and prevents painful muscle spasms. It is an excellent choice for TMD sufferers.
B Vitamins
B vitamins are essential for your immune function and tissue repair. They are necessary for turning food into energy. Lack of these vitamins can lead to stress and fatigue, which increases behaviors like clenching of the jaw, and teeth grinding, leading to problems with TMJ.
Turmeric
This vivid orange-hued spice has a distinctive flavor and plenty of anti-inflammatory powers. It intensely soothes jaw pain and minimizes swelling and inflammation. You can consume it directly by incorporating it into food or take supplements after consulting your healthcare provider.
Glucosamine
Glucosamine is naturally found in cartilage. Consuming it as a supplement will repair the cartilage and improve joint lubrication and range of motion. As a result, it dramatically minimizes joint pain and silences the clicking that accompanies troubled joints. Many pain sufferers report that glucosamine minimizes pain more effectively than ibuprofen. It is generally considered safe but can also lead to minor digestive problems.
Chondroitin
It is a complex sugar that is found in connective tissues. If consumed in the form of supplements, it prevents the breakdown of cartilage and repairs damaged tissues. Chondroitin also has anti-inflammatory properties and helps to relieve pain. Consuming chondroitin as directed is considered to be reasonably safe. However, if you have any bleeding disorder, it is best to avoid it.
Methylsulfonylmethane
Methylsulfonylmethane is widely known due to its anti-inflammatory properties. It has been used to treat arthritis and other joint disorders, including TMDs.
Compounding for TMJ Disorders
If you are taking medication as well as supplements for TMJ disorder, it can all get very overwhelming. Remembering to take all these different supplements isn’t something practical. It is very hard, which is why most people miss these supplements. Moreover, figuring out the correct dosage for each one is incredibly taxing on your brain.
A compounding pharmacist will help you create a perfect supplement to tackle your TMJ disorder. They can work with your healthcare provider to devise an ideal plan that allows you to take a pill or two instead of consuming a handful of supplements. We hope you found this post informative. Let us know in the comments section below if you have any questions.
And check out Burt’s Rx’s compounding pharmacy services, which include pediatric compounding, pet compounding, compounded medication for pain management, BHRT, and dental compounding.