Temporomandibular joint and muscle disorder, or TMJ, is the most common cause of pain in that area that isn't related to dental health. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, approximately
5-12% of the population suffers from TMJ.
If you've been diagnosed with TMJ, you're likely searching for ways to find relief from symptoms like TMJ head pain and more.
Read on for some effective strategies and simple changes you can make to help reduce jaw pain and find relief.
TMJ Overview
TMJ disorder is a
common condition that causes pain and discomfort that can last for a
short while or long term. It may also affect one or both sides of the face.
Your symptoms may vary from mild to severe, while some patients say they don't experience any pain but have difficulty moving their jaws. Some of the most common symptoms of TMJ include dizziness, lock-jaw, and headaches.
Other symptoms of TMJ include feeling muscle tightness in the jaw, difficulties with vision, or even noticing swelling on the side of the face. Severe symptoms include limited mouth movements, pain and ringing in the ears, and
tooth pain that isn't associated with a dental problem.
Most people experience
some form of pain in the face, jaw, neck, shoulders, or ear. This pain can affect one, several, or all of these areas. Many people with TMJ notice a clicking or popping noise whenever they open or shut their mouths.
Fortunately, there are some things you can do to reduce TMJ head pain, tooth pain, and other pain. Let's review a few of these TMJ relief tips to help you on the path toward
feeling better.
Pay Attention to the Food You Eat
Around 90% of the TMJ head pain you experience is directly related to the muscles you use for chewing. One of the easiest jaw pain remedies is to make
a few adjustments to the foods you eat. Taking smaller bites is another good way to prevent unexpected TMJ pain.
Avoid eating hard or chewy foods as much as possible since this can strain your jaw muscles. Stay away from things like hard candy or chewing gum. Instead, opt for softer foods whenever you can to help reduce the pressure on your jaw and muscles when you eat.
Aside from the food you eat, you can also make a few simple lifestyle adjustments to get relief. For example, practice good posture and
reduce your stress levels to help relieve TMJ pain. Practicing
good self-care isn't just for TMJ - it's also a great way to improve your overall physical and mental well-being.
TMJ Head Pain: See a Specialist
While you can do a few things yourself to relieve TMJ, it's also recommended that you seek professional care. A
TMJ specialist can examine your bite and measure your muscle activity using an advanced technique called electromyography.
This electronic
diagnostic technique involves a delicate instrument that precisely records and analyzes any muscle activity related to your bite. The information gathered from this technique allows your specialist to devise the best course of action to treat your TMJ symptoms. They may recommend
dental TENsing as a treatment option.
When your bite is aligned, it can help to eliminate headaches and migraines, as well as pain in your back, neck, and shoulders. It may also help to reduce jaw clenching and teeth grinding, thereby reducing pain and damage to your teeth.
Getting your bite checked by
a professional does more than just help with TMJ head pain. It may also help to prevent your teeth from cracking or breaking and protect them from premature wear and tear. Once the
issue is corrected, you'll be able to chew food properly to get maximum nutrients and potentially correct mouth-breathing commonly caused by a misaligned bite.
Daily TMJ Exercises
People
dealing with TMJ can do some easy exercises each day to get relief. While these exercises can be helpful, it's still recommended that you talk to your dentist before starting them just to confirm they're safe for you. While
these exercises should give you some form of relief from TMJ-related pain, they may not help to relieve your pain permanently.
Resistance Mouth-Opening
This exercise applies a small amount of pressure to the chin while you open your mouth. Start by placing your thumb directly below your chin, then open your mouth as slowly as possible.
Gently push your thumb against your chin until you feel pressure. Hold this position for about three to six seconds, then repeat a few times until
you get relief.
Jaw Movement Exercise
You can strengthen your muscles by moving your jaw from side to side. Start by grabbing a popsicle stick or a small wooden object and gently biting it with your front teeth.
As you bite down, gently and slowly move your jaw from side to side. Repeat this process a few times daily, and then, as you get comfortable with the exercise, you can start adding more objects between your teeth.
Move Your Jaw Forward
This exercise is similar to the one above, so you'll also need a lightweight wooden object about 1/4-inch thick. Gently bite the object between your front teeth.
Do a slow back-and-forth motion with your jaw as you bite down until your bottom teeth overlap the upper teeth. Just like the side-to-side jaw movement exercise, you can start to stack more objects as you go and get more comfortable with the process.
You Don't Have to Suffer From TMJ Pain
Fortunately, you don't need to suffer from TMJ head pain, neck pain, and other pain alone. With a few simple lifestyle changes, some daily TMJ exercises, and
help from a professional, you'll get the relief you need to enjoy a pain-free day.
If you need help with TMJ or any other dental issue and live in the Northern Virginia area, Dr. Bernard Lynch can help.
Get in touch with the team at Dental Care Burke to schedule an appointment or to find out more today.
