Natural Remedies for TMJ Relief

March 7, 2023

There are some ways to have some TMJ relief by using natural remedies. Let's identify some of the most successful options according to a dentist in Burke VA.

Do you experience any of the following issues?

  • Sore jaw
  • Jaw popping 
  • Locked jaw
  • Pain in your ear, head, and cheeks

These are all signs of temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ), and around 10 million people struggle with these issues.


Unfortunately, TMJ is painful and might require dental assistance. However, you can seek help from a TMJ dentist in Burke, VA, for solutions.


A dentist might recommend trying some natural remedies for relief. Here are some of the options the dentist might recommend.


Understand TMJ to Find Relief

The temporomandibular joint connects your jawbone to your skull, and you'll find one joint on each side of your face.


These joints control your jaw movement, which means you use them when chewing, yawning, opening and closing your mouth, eating, and talking. So basically, you use these joints all the time.


When you develop TMJ, you experience jaw joint pain when performing these activities. You might also have pain even when you're not moving your jaw. 


TMJ disorders occur for numerous reasons. For example, some people develop TMJ from arthritis. Others develop it from grinding their teeth while sleeping, but you can develop it for many other reasons.


When you have TMJ, you might feel slight pain and discomfort. However, some people experience extreme pain. Some people even struggle with opening and closing their mouths when they have extreme cases of TMJ.


Avoid Eating Certain Foods

The first thing most dentists recommend for treating TMJ is to avoid certain foods. This is because the things you eat can contribute to the pain and discomfort of TMJ.


First, it would help to avoid sticky foods that are hard to chew. Taffy is the perfect example of a sticky food that might worsen your symptoms. 


Secondly, avoid hard foods unless you chop them up well before consuming them. For example, biting down on a raw carrot stresses these joints, causing further pain. 


You can talk to a dentist in Burke, VA, to learn more about foods to avoid. 


Apply Ice

When your temporomandibular joints become inflamed, you'll feel more pain. Unfortunately, inflammation is hard to avoid with these joints as you use them for many things.


One of the best natural remedies for TMJ is to apply ice to these areas. Ice reduces inflammation and swelling, which might relieve your pain. 


You can apply ice when you experience pain or to prevent pain. To do this, place an icepack on both sides of your face, covering each joint. Leave the ice in place for 15 minutes. 


You can do this multiple times daily to reduce or eliminate the pain your TMJ causes. 


Wear a Mouth Guard

Many dentists also recommend wearing a mouth guard to protect these joints. A mouth guard is a device custom-made to fit inside your mouth. You wear it while sleeping.


A mouth guard separates your upper and lower arch, protecting it. You might grind your teeth while sleeping with a mouth guard. However, the guard protects your teeth from the damage grinding causes.


Additionally, the mouth guard takes the stress off your temporomandibular joints while sleeping, even if you grind your teeth. This occurs from the gap it creates between the two arches.


This is one of the best TMJ remedies if you grind your teeth or clench your jaw while sleeping. It's also an excellent choice if you wake up with TMJ pain. 


It's important to get a mouth guard from your dentist, even though you can buy over-the-counter products at stores. A dentist-made guard will fit properly to alleviate the jaw pain you experience.


Perform Jaw Exercises

Many dentists also recommend treating TMJ naturally with exercises or physical therapy. The goal of exercising the joints is to strengthen the muscles they use. 


For example, place your tongue on the roof of your mouth. Next, slowly open your mouth as wide as possible. Hold this position for ten seconds, rest, and repeat. This exercise helps improve your jaw's range of motion. 


Another exercise is to place pressure on both jaws with your hands while your mouth is closed. Next, slowly open your mouth, attempting to open it without hearing or feeling any jaw clicks. 


You can also visit a physical therapist to work on your jaw issues. They'll teach you exercises and techniques to use daily to improve its functions and decrease pain.


Use Massage

Massage therapy is a relaxing activity that most people enjoy. While most people seek massages for back or neck pain, you can also seek them for other purposes, including TMJ. 


In addition, you can perform massages on your jaw muscles and joints to alleviate the pain. To do this, gently massage both jaws. Repeat this as often as you'd like. 


Practice Relaxation

Tension in the jaw increases your risk of developing TMJ. It also worsens the symptoms. Unfortunately, many people tense their jaws without realizing it.


You can determine if you do this by being intentional about it. For example, take note of your jaw at various times of the day. Are you clenching it inadvertently?


If so, practicing relaxation techniques can provide the relief you need. Working on relaxing your jaw muscles alleviates the tension and stress you inadvertently apply throughout the day. 


Relaxation with other natural remedies might solve your TMJ problems. If so, you can avoid the surgical options that dentists provide.

 

Visit a TMJ Dentist in Burke, VA

Suffering from TMJ is frustrating, as the pain and discomfort can affect every part of your life. But there are solutions, and many natural ones provide relief. 


Try the natural remedies listed here or talk to a TMJ dentist in Burke, VA. A dentist can explain more natural remedies in-depth and provide dental solutions that might help.



Contact our office to learn more about treating TMJ in Burke, VA. 

Dr. Bernard Lynch

D.M.D 
Dr. Bernard Lynch, DMD, FAGD, LVIF is focused around giving his patients the best possible dental care towards the end of long-term, overall good oral health, beautiful smiles, all while maintaining patient comfort. Dr. Lynch routinely keeps up-to-date with most cutting-edge dental technology and advances so as to cultivate a feeling of safety and comfort when his patients sit in the dental chair. He is broadly recognized for the continuous attention to his patients feelings, and of their mind-sets while they are under his care.

Joshua Kibrom

Treatment Plan Coordinator
Joshua Kibrom grew up in Saint Paul, Minnesota where he attended the University of Minnesota for Marketing and Business Management. Upon moving to Northern Virginia, he began providing services at Dental Care Burke as a Treatment Plan Coordinator. To fully understand the needs of the patients, he obtained certification as a dental assistant. His main objective is to help the patients achieve the necessary treatment and fully understand the financial aspects of the plan. Joshua will work with patients to ensure all of your questions are answered appropriately.

Michael Gebre

Registered Dental Assistant
Micheal Gebre graduated from Northern Virginia Community College with a major in biology. He later received his Dental Assistant II (DAII) degree from Germana Community College, under Mary Washington University in Fredericksburg, Virginia in 2016. Michael works as Registered DAII, which is the new version of Dental Physician Assistant. He had over 10 years experience as a Dental Assistant before becoming a Registered DAII.
A woman is sitting in bed looking at her watch.
By Dental Care Burke March 24, 2025
Explore the relationship between sleep bruxism and TMJ disorder with our guide. Find out what it means for your health and get solutions for pain relief today.
A young man is covering his face with his hand.
By Dental Care Burke March 24, 2025
What are the 4 stages of TMJ disorder? Find out how TMJ progresses and the best strategies to address each phase. Get tips to take a proactive approach today.
A doctor is sitting at a desk talking to a patient.
By Dental Care Burke February 27, 2025
TMJ pain can be incredibly difficult to live with, and can impact your emotional health. We look at when to see a TMJ specialist. Click here to learn more.
A woman is holding an ice pack to her face because she has a toothache.
By Dental Care Burke February 27, 2025
TMJ and stress are closely linked—learn effective stress management techniques to help reduce TMJ symptoms and improve your jaw health.
An elderly man is holding his ear because he has a headache.
By Dental Care Burke January 26, 2025
Explore the link between TMJ and stress. Learn how stress contributes to TMJ pain and discover effective management techniques for relief.
A close up of a person 's neck with their hand on it.
By Dental Care Burke January 26, 2025
TMJ dental pain can be quite severe. Fortunately, there are some measures you can take to prevent it. Find out more in this guide.
A woman is holding her head because she has a headache.
By Dental Care Burke December 31, 2024
Explore effective TMJ supplements and nutrients that can support TMJ health and help alleviate pain. Find relief and manage your symptoms today!
A woman is blowing a bubble of gum in her mouth.
By Dental Care Burke December 31, 2024
Are chewing gum and TMJ related? Explore this connection and learn how to manage your TMJ symptoms effectively. Start reducing discomfort and inflammation here.
A black and white x-ray of a human skull and neck.
By Dental Care Burke November 27, 2024
Explore the newest treatment for TMJ at Dental Care Burke. Discover advanced methods for long-lasting relief. Learn more today!
A man is holding his face in pain because he has a toothache.
By Dental Care Burke November 27, 2024
Discover practical lifestyle changes to help with TMJ relief at home. Click now to learn effective techniques and start finding relief today!
More Posts