TMJ is a combination of pain, jaw joint issues, and muscle spasms caused by misaligned teeth, jaw joints, and chewing muscles. This discomfort and anguish can lead to long-term problems and lower quality of life. Unlike dental issues, temporomandibular joint issues can be resolved with easy lifestyle adjustments that improve sleep, pain reduction, and speech.
In this article, we’ll explore home remedies for TMJ that will help to alleviate your discomfort.
How TMJ Works
One of the various elements of your jaw can become misaligned, causing Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ). Unlike other joints, the temporomandibular joint moves and pivots. It takes a tiny malfunction to induce pain because of the many moving elements involved in this dual-action.
As a result, the jaw joint is the only joint in the human body with something that prevents it from completely closing, namely, teeth. Your teeth should line up naturally and pleasantly when your temporomandibular joint is properly adjusted. An “off” bite can indicate TMJ, but it can also cause an “off” bite.
Many people believe that TMJ pain is limited to the jaw, but in reality, it can manifest itself across the entire upper body. Any unexpected symptoms, particularly those you suspect are unconnected, should be brought up during your consultation with the dentist or physician. You can help your dentist rule out other possible diagnoses by informing them about discomfort in the scalp, sore teeth, ringing in the ears, and even tingling fingers.
Home Remedies for TMJ Pain
If you experience pain when chewing or yawning, you are familiar with the discomfort associated with TMJ issues. You may get relief from one or more of the following home-based therapies.
Most persons with TMJ have mild or intermittent symptoms that resolve on their own within weeks or months with easy home therapy. The following strategies may help alleviate your TMJ discomfort:
Manage stress and anxiety
Daily clutter is something that most of us suffer from, whether on a professional or personal level. While it is impossible to silence the chatter in our heads, it is critical to step back from our problems.
TMJ and anxiety have a strong correlation, which may seem unrelated, yet results in severe jaw pain. Numerous patients who suffer from TMJ pain continue to struggle with the illness for the same reason. Clenched jaws are a warning indication that patients should seek anxiety treatment and find a balance between work and life.
Eating the right foods can help.
Consuming soft foods such as mashed potatoes and applesauce can help alleviate jaw stiffness and soreness. If you must consume hard foods (e.g., raw carrots), chop them into very little pieces or take small bites. Additionally, sticky or chewy food and chewing gum can increase your symptoms, so avoid these foods.
Use cold therapy
When you experience sharp pain in your jaw joints occasionally, apply a pair of ice pack to reduce inflammation, numb the discomfort, and encourage healing. Wrap two cold packs in thin towels and place them on both sides of your face for about ten to fifteen minutes, but no longer than twenty minutes, or you risk minor frostbite. As needed, repeat every two hours. Avoid directly applying a cold pack to your skin. While using the pack, keep it wrapped in a clean cloth.
Jaw exercises
Jaw stretches and other facial exercises can help alleviate the symptoms of TMJ disease. Your doctor, dentist, or physical therapist can demonstrate how to stretch your jaw muscles at home. Additionally, they can demonstrate how to massage the muscles in your jaw. These pain relief exercises will likely help with your jaw muscle pain.
Wear a bite guard
You can wear a bite guard (alternatively called a stability splint) to prevent teeth from grinding or clenching. Bite guards are often constructed of plastic; they are designed to fit over both your upper and lower teeth and prevent them from contacting. Several varieties of bite guards are available—for example, you can choose between a soft and a firm bite guard.
Bite guards should be used sparingly (your doctor or dentist will let you know how long and how often to wear them). If the bite guard increases your pain or begins to alter your bite, immediately discontinue use and contact your doctor.
General dental care
The TMJ Association states that routine dental and gum maintenance is critical in the overall management of TMJ issues since it helps prevent the risk of dental disease and the necessity for invasive dental treatments.
Acupuncture or massage therapy.
Acupuncture can also be used to treat TMJ pain. An acupuncturist will inject needles around your jaw and in other regions to alleviate your pain and enhance your jaw function and make it easier to open your mouth. Additionally, massaging your TMJ joint throughout the day might assist loosen up your jaw muscles and provide pain relief.
By incorporating these at-home pain relief treatments into your overall treatment strategy for TMJ disorders, you can significantly improve your ability to manage your TMJ issue. Keep track of your symptoms while undergoing these treatments. Consult your doctor immediately if your TMJ symptoms worsen or if you develop new symptoms.
Contact Garza DDS to learn more about home remedies for TMJ
Should you experience any of the symptoms related to TMJ pain, please do not hesitate to contact our office. We have various treatment options that can provide you pain relief and improve your quality of life. We would be happy to discuss home remedies for TMJ that may help you find relief. Visit our TMJ clinic today.