How To Treat TMJ Jaw Pain At Home?

Are you tired of waking up with jaw pain every day? TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) disorders are debilitating and frustrating, but relief is closer than you think. There are a lot of people who are surprised to learn that TMJ conditions can be managed right at home.

Let’s dive in to get to know about ways of treating such disorders at home!

Gaining An Understanding Of TMJ Pain

Before diving into treatment options, it becomes important to understand what TMJ pain is and the factors that cause it. TMJ pain can be a result of various factors including –

Jaw Clenching

Stress can cause people to clench their jaw muscles, which leads to tension and pain.

Teeth Grinding

This condition is also known as Bruxism. Many people grind their teeth at night and this leads to a strain in the jaw.

Arthritis

Experiencing inflammation in the joint leads to pain and discomfort.

Poor Posture

Having a bad posture also affects the muscles around the jaw.

Treating TMJ Jaw Pain At Home

Temporomandibular Joint Pain (TMJ) is uncomfortable and interferes with a person’s daily life. The TMJ refers to a joint that connects the jaw to the skull. This joint enables one to open and close the mouth.

If this joint does not function properly then it leads to pain and discomfort. Luckily, there are a lot of ways to treat TMJ jaw pain at home. They are:

Applying Heat

You can apply a heating pad or a warm compress to the side of your face for 15-20 minutes. Or you could also take a warm shower and let the water hit the jaw.

This technique is beneficial as heat helps in relaxing tense muscles. It also improves the blood flow to the region. This further aids with healing.

Applying Cold Compress

You can wrap ice in a cloth or even use a cold pack to place it on your jaw for 10-15 minutes. Cold therapy helps in numbing the area and reduces inflammation and swelling.

Doing Stretching Exercises

There are two different types of stretching exercises that you can practice to ease TMJ pain.

Exercise 1

First, slowly open your mouth as wide as you possibly can (without feeling pain). Then hold this position for just a few seconds. After that, close your mouth. Make sure to repeat this exercise for 5-10 times.

Exercise 2

Move your jaw in a gentle manner from side to side. Make sure to do this slowly without forcing it. Repeat this for 5-10 times.

Doing Strengthening Exercises

Place your thumb under your chin and in a gentle manner push it down, while at the same time trying to open your mouth. Hold this position for 5 seconds and then relax. You need to repeat this for 5 to 10 times.

Tips To Follow For Managing TMJ Pain

Here is a list of some tips that you can follow to manage TMJ pain:

Keep Stress Under Control

Stress is known to worsen TMJ pain. Hence, it becomes very important to keep stress under bay for managing TMJ pain. A few stress control techniques that you can try are – meditation, deep breathing exercises and gentle yoga.

Modify Your Diet Plan

Eating certain foods tends to strain the jaw. Here’s how you can modify your diet plan for helping to reduce TMJ pain:

Incorporate Soft Foods Into Diet

Choose soft foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, soups and smoothies. Avoid having any chewy, crunchy and hard substances that require excessive movement of the jaw.

Another thing that you need to remember is drinking plenty of fluids to keep your body hydrated. This also reduces muscle tension.

Utilize OTC Pain Relief

If your pain happens to be severe, then there are OTC medications that can help. For example, there’s Acetaminophen, and NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs). They help relieve pain and also decrease inflammation to an extent.

Avoid Jaw Strain

You need to be aware of habits that can put a strain on your jaw. Here are a few tips to doing it:

use proper posture by keeping your head up and shoulders back
limit chewing of gum as it can strain jaw muscles
avoid clenching of teeth, especially during stressful situations

Maintain A Good Oral Hygiene

Having good oral hygiene aids in preventing issues that may worsen TMJ pain. Here are a few things which you can do:

visit your dentist
floss and brush regularly

Frequently Asked Questions

These are the most frequently asked questions related to the topic of TMJ pain:

When Should I See A Doctor For TMJ Pain?

If your pain is persistent and severe and gets accompanied by other symptoms then you need to consult a healthcare professional. This is because neglecting such pain can lead to severe consequences later on.

How Long Does It Take To See Improvements With At-Home Treatments?

There are a lot of people who experience relief within a few days to a few weeks by practicing home treatments continuously. However, the results might vary based on individual symptoms.

Is It Safe To Use A Mouthguard At Home?

Yes, it is. You can use a custom or OTC mouthguard to help prevent teeth grinding. This will directly relieve TMJ symptoms. Consider consulting a dentist for the best option.

Can Herbal Supplements Help With TMJ Pain?

Some people find relief with herbal medicines like turmeric or ginger for inflammation. Make sure to consult a healthcare provider always, before starting with new supplements.

In Conclusion,

Managing TMJ jaw pain at home is an effective way of finding relief and regaining back the quality of life. By incorporating the methods discussed in the article above, you can reduce your discomfort to a significant extent.

However, if your symptoms continue to intensify, it would be better to consult a professional. At Dean Dental Clinic, our knowledgeable team is always committed to offering personalized care that addresses every patient’s unique needs. Your journey towards getting a pain-free smile begins with one call!