The temporomandibular joint allows our jaw to move in any direction. It helps us speak, chew, swallow, yawn, and close our mouths. Having difficulty doing this means you are experiencing some symptoms that can lead to TMJ.
Fortunately, several treatment options are available to alleviate jaw pain symptoms and improve overall jaw health. One effective and simple home treatment for TMJ is ice. But should you ice TMJ? Or use a heating pad for TMJ instead?
In this article, we’ll find out what are the best treatments for jaw pain.
What Is TMJ?
The term TMJ is short for temporomandibular joint. It is the joint that connects your jaw to the skull, and it’s located at the front of your face. The TMJ is a complex joint that allows you to open and close your mouth, as well as move it from side to side.
Excessive use of the temporomandibular joint can cause fatigue resulting in a disorder called a temporomandibular joint disorder or TMD. It is a condition that causes pain or dysfunction in the surrounding muscles and jaw joints. This creates discomfort, jaw pain, muscle pain, and other unwanted pain that limits jaw functions.
TMJ Signs and Symptoms
We can avoid having chronic pain or pain disorder if we know the early symptoms of TMJ. which include:
- Clicking and Popping while chewing
- Getting stuck or lockjaw
- Ear pain
- Jaw or face pain
- Tooth pain
- Swelling
- Headaches
- Shoulder and neck pain
Can Hot and Cold Packs Relieve TMD Pain?
Hot and cold packs can relieve jaw pain associated with TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder).
Some sports athletes often combine heat therapy and cold therapy to trigger healing and simple pain relief in tired and stressed muscles.
For some jaw pain conditions, it is recommended to use the cold compress for 15-20 minutes at a time, followed by a 20-minute break. You can also wrap in a towel a bag of frozen vegetables if you don’t have ice. The same applies to a hot pack, but ideally, use a moist heat pack.
Benefits of Heat and Cold Therapy for TMJ
Relax Muscles
Heat therapy can help relax the jaw muscles and reduce tension and pain associated with TMJ.
Reduce Inflammation
Cold therapy or applying an ice pack for jaw joints can help reduce inflammation and numb the affected area, providing joint pain relief. Cold temperatures can reduce inflammation by constricting blood vessels and reducing blood flow to the affected area. This can help reduce the amount of inflammation-causing cells and chemicals that reach the area, decreasing swelling, redness, and pain.
Circulation
Heat therapy can induce blood vessel dilation, which brings more immune cells, oxygen, and other nutrients to the jaw injury.
Fast-Acting
Using both cold and heat therapy can be an effective treatment in providing muscle and nerve relaxation and pain reduction.
Using Heat Packs for Reducing Jaw Pain
Putting a heat pack to the affected area can help relax the muscles and increase blood flow, providing jaw pain relief. Heat packs are most effective for some chronic pain conditions or for pain not caused by inflammation.
Using Cold Packs for Reducing Jaw Pain
How to stop jaw pain by using cold packs? Using ice for jaw pain can numb the area and help reduce inflammation, providing pain relief. Cold packs are most effective in the first 48 hours after an injury or onset of symptoms.
Other Home Remedies for Jaw Pain
To put pain under control, here are some jaw pain remedies you can do at home that can help in the reduction of jaw pain:
Cold and Heat Treatment
Apply cold or warm temperature to the affected area. You can utilize a heating pad or a cold pack to reduce inflammation and numb the area.
Massage the Jaw Muscles
Gently massaging the jaw muscles can help to relax them and reduce pain.
Good Posture
Practice good posture. Maintaining good posture can help to alleviate tension in the jaw muscles.
Eating Soft Foods
Avoid hard or chewy foods. Eating soft foods can help to reduce stress on the jaw muscles.
Relaxation Techniques
Practice relaxation techniques for some periods of time. Deep breathing techniques, yoga, or meditation can help to reduce tension and stress in the jaw muscles and induce muscle flexibility.
Soft Diet
Eat a well-balanced diet. It can help reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Good Rest
Getting adequate rest helps reduce stress on the jaw muscles.
Read More: Best Proven Home Remedies For TMJ Pain
Frequently Asked Questions
Can ice make TMJ worse?
Ice may not be a permanent treatment for TMJ, but it can help reduce inflammation and be a pain reliever.
Is heat or ice better for TMJ jaw pain?
Heat application and ice compress are the quickest jaw pain solution that you can get, but they may not work for other TMJ conditions. It is better to consult an orthodontist for a professional pain treatment plan.
Where should I put ice for TMJ?
To alleviate pain and swelling associated with TMJ, applying ice to the affected area can be helpful. The best place to apply ice for TMJ is on the side of the face near the jaw joint, where the pain is felt. Apply the ice pack for 15-20 minutes at a time, 1-3 times a day. It’s important to avoid applying ice directly to the skin, as it can cause frostbite.
How do you calm a TMJ flare-up?
For extended jaw pain, there are several things you can do to calm a TMJ flare-up:
- Applying ice to the face’s side near the jaw joint can help reduce pain and swelling.
- Relax your jaw and avoid excessive jaw movements. Avoid excessive jaw movements such as yawning, speaking for long periods, singing, or yelling, which can worsen the pain.
- Avoid hard or chewy foods. These foods can aggravate the jaw joint and muscles, so avoiding them during a flare-up is best.
- Practice jaw exercises. Gentle jaw exercises can help strengthen the muscles around the jaw joint and improve jaw movement.
- Consider physical therapy. A therapist can teach you exercises to help ease your pain and improve jaw function.
What should you not do with TMJ?
Avoiding the following habits can provide relief from jaw pain:
- Avoid hard or chewy foods
- Avoid excessive jaw movements
- Avoid biting your nails or chewing on pens or pencils.
- Avoid excessive gum chewing.
- Avoid resting your chin on your hand or your elbow.
- Avoid sleeping on your stomach as it can put a strain on the jaw and lead to teeth grinding.
- Avoid opening your jaw too wide, such as when singing or yawning, as it can put unnecessary stress on the joint.
- Avoid using your teeth as tools, such as using your front teeth to open a bag of chips or a bottle cap.
Will TMJ heal on its own?
If your TMJ is caused by a specific event or trauma, such as a jaw injury or dental work, it may heal on its own with time and proper care. However, if your TMJ is caused by underlying factors such as stress, arthritis, or misalignment of the jaw, it may not heal on its own. It may be a chronic condition and require ongoing treatment. So, seeking professional help is important to manage the condition and prevent more severe symptoms.
Read More: Can TMJ Go Away On Its Own Without Treatment?
How long does TMJ take to heal?
For minor cases, TMJ may heal on its own within a few weeks or months with proper self-care and management. It’s important to get your condition checked by an orthodontist for the best appropriate treatment.
Consult Garza DDS to Learn More About the Right Compress for Your TMJ
If you’re having problems with your TMJ and being uncomfortable with jaw pain, it is best to consult a tmj specialist. Dr. Gaza is a TMJ specialist in Gilbert, AZ, who diagnoses and treats TMJ. Contact our office now and schedule an appointment to learn more about the best treatment plan for your condition.