Between
5 and 12% of the general adult population have some form of TMJ disorder. The condition is twice as common in women than in men. Patients between the ages of 20 and 40 are most likely to develop temporomandibular joint disorder.
If smiling, chewing, talking, and laughing hurts, you might want to look for TMJ relief. Don't worry; surgery isn't your only option.
Read on to discover the TMJ therapies you can use to ease your symptoms.
Recognize the Symptoms
As many as
10 million Americans suffer from TMJ disorders, though many don't know how to recognize the symptoms. Consider visiting a TMD dentist if you experience:
- Headaches
- Vertigo
- Pain in the face or neck
- Stiffness in your jaw muscles
- Locking of the law
- Limiting jaw movement
- Tinnitus
- Dental issues
- Clicking or popping around the jaw
- Shift in the jaw
- Changes in how your teeth align (malocclusion)
Though treatable, the condition can have different causes based on your lifestyle and health.
For example, conditions that can contribute to TMJ symptoms include arthritis, teeth grinding, growth disorders, and joint erosion. Structural jaw issues presented at the time of your birth can lead to TMJ disorder, too.
Schedule
a dental appointment if you experience jaw pain. Your dentist will use X-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI to diagnose your condition. They can help you determine which of the TMJ therapies can help relieve your symptoms.
Non-Drug Treatments
Self-care (or
self-management practices) can help relieve your TMJ symptoms. Try these at-home techniques if you experience mild or moderate TMJ symptoms.
If you continue to experience symptoms, don't hesitate to visit
your TMD dentist. They might determine surgery to fix the structural problem is the best course of action.
Hot or Cold Compress
The next time you experience pain or discomfort, grab a hot compress. Applying heat to the area will increase circulation around the joints. It can also help relax the jaw muscles.
A cold compress, on the other hand, can numb jaw pain and ease inflammation.
Heat a moist towel in the microwave or use a hot gel pack to apply heat to the area for 10 minutes. Otherwise, wrap an ice pack in a cloth and apply it to the area for 15 to 20 minutes.
Soft Foods
If you begin experiencing pain and discomfort, avoid eating hard foods like hard candies and nuts. Try to avoid chewy foods like taffy and gum as well. Certain foods can trigger pain in your jaw or make it worse.
Instead, switch to soft food the next time your TMJ pain flares up. These foods can include eggs, bananas, and yogurt. Soft food will give the jaw joint time to rest.
Massage Therapy
Try massaging your temples, neck, and jaw to relax muscles in the area. Massage therapy could help reduce the stress contributing to your TMJ pain. If you can't do an at-home massage yourself, consider visiting a massage therapist.
Physical Therapy
Consult your TMD dentist or physical therapist to develop a routine of jaw exercises. Exercise can help improve your jaw's movements. It could also reduce pain in your TMJ joints.
If you experience pain when doing these exercises, stop and give your body time before engaging the joint.
First, try relaxing your jaw. With your teeth a little apart, open your mouth slowly, as wide as you can. Look up with your eyes and hold your mouth open for a few seconds. Close it and repeat.
You can also try Rocabado 6x6 exercises:
- Place the tip of your tongue on the mouth's upper palate
- Open and close the jaw
- Place two fingers on the chin
- Open and close your jaw while pressing your tongue to your palate
- Lift and lower the chin as if nodding
- Squeeze your shoulder blades together
- Lift and lower your chest
If your pain and discomfort are stress-related, try relaxation techniques to reduce the tension instead.
Surgery
Remember, your dentist might recommend surgery if you're suffering from severe joint problems. Let your dentist know if your symptoms are severe or persist.
They might recommend open-joint surgery, arthroscopy, or arthrocentesis. Consult your dentist to determine the best course of action.
Mouth Guards
Wearing an oral splint or mouth guard can stabilize and support your jaw. Try wearing a mouth guard through the night if you grind your teeth (bruxism), too.
Otherwise, make sure to get a good night's sleep. Go to bed and wake up at the same time to maintain a healthy circadian rhythm. If you're still struggling to sleep, consider consulting a doctor.
Biofeedback
Biofeedback involves sensors that measure bodily functions. You can monitor processes, including muscle contractions, breathing rate, heart rate, and brain waves. Biofeedback allows you to make adjustments based on the data to ease your pain.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture could reduce your TMJ symptoms as well. A practitioner will use tiny needles at different points of your body to stimulate nerves in your muscles and skin.
Sessions last between 15 and 30 minutes.
Medications
If these at-home TMJ therapies don't work, consider talking to your dentist about medications. Your dentist will prescribe certain medications based on the severity of your symptoms. The most common medications used to treat TMJ include:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Benzodiazepines
- Anticonvulsants
- Botox
- Corticosteroids
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Muscle relaxants
Taking medications could cause side effects, though. For example, you might experience fatigue, dizziness, or drowsiness. NSAIDs can cause heart attacks, strokes, or stomach ulcers (especially if you have a history of these problems).
Only take medications as prescribed by your dentist.
Talk to your dentist if these side effects persist or affect your quality of life.
Discover TMJ Relief Today
Don't let your TMJ pain affect your day-to-day life. Instead, use these tips for TMJ relief. If your symptoms persist, visit your TMD dentist to explore other treatment options.
With help, you can ease your pain before it causes further discomfort.
Want to talk to a dentist about your symptoms? We're here to help.
Contact us today to schedule your appointment.
