Are you struggling with TMJ pain?
If you’re experiencing facial pain, especially around your jaw, you may have TMJ disorder. The temporomandibular joint refers to the joint in your lower and upper jawbones. TMJ disorder could affect your ability to move your jaw.
TMJ symptoms include pain, tenderness, and swelling on the side of your face. Some people may have a locked jaw or experience tinnitus.
Are you struggling to relieve TMJ pain?
This article covers four great ways to relieve your pain! Read on for our great TMJ pain relief tips.
1. Eat Softer Foods
Some people may experience strain eating with TMJ disorder. This can make it difficult or even painful to chew certain foods.
If you’re experiencing TMJ pain, avoid foods that are difficult to chew, such as nuts, popcorn, and pretzels.
It’s also best to avoid hard whole apples and carrots. A suitable diet for TMJ pain would include foods like:
- pasta
- mashed potatoes
- milkshakes
- oatmeal
- eggs
- yogurt
- tofu
- smoothies and soup
If you’re eating meat, ensure to grind or chop it into fine bits. For example, hamburger meat is a better alternative to steak.
2. Take Medication
Your dentist or oral surgeon may prescribe pain relievers to help you with your discomfort. To reduce inflammation, you may get a Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory medication.
Some cases of TMJ pain are due to stress, which leads to the tightening of facial muscles. A health professional may also prescribe antidepressants to help you manage stress-induced pain. Alternative medication techniques are also used to relax your muscles.
Some techniques utilize biofeedback to monitor tightness in your muscles. You may talk to an acupuncture specialist to treat affected areas in mild cases.
3. Try Home Remedies
Using an ice or heat pack can help reduce your pain and swelling. If you don’t have an ice pack, you can make one by putting ice cubes in a plastic bag. However, avoid placing an ice pack directly on your face.
Wrap the ice pack around a towel or cloth first before applying to the affected areas for 10-20 minutes. You can also use a heat pack to relax your muscles and increase blood flow. Repeat the steps above and reapply as needed.
It also helps to avoid extreme movements like yelling or singing. If you often grind your teeth in your sleep, consider a nighttime mouthguard.
4. Visit Your Dentist or Oral Surgeon
If your TMJ pain is a common occurrence, it may be beyond your ability to self-treat. In this case, it’s advisable to consult a medical professional. Your dentist or oral surgeon may help by balancing or replacing missing teeth.
Your dental professional may also treat your TMJ by replacing dental restorations or correcting bite issues. Some practitioners specialize in jaw-related disorders.
If your pain or discomfort is increasing in frequency, duration or intensity do not delay. Book an appointment with your oral surgeon soon.
Relieve TMJ Pain and Symptoms
If you’re experiencing TMJ pain, try these tips to reduce your discomfort. If you need professional assistance, reach out to us. We are proud to serve the Los Angeles community through our offices in Beverly Hills and the West Valley.
