Do you experience jaw soreness, popping or clicking sounds when you chew, or limited jaw mobility? If so, then you may be one of the 10 million Americans struggling with TMJ disorder. This condition is the result of injury or inflammation to the temporomandibular joint (the connection between the jawbone and skull). The good news is that you can find relief! Keep reading for four tips for relieving TMJ pain.
#1. Do Jaw Exercises
When the first signs of TMJ disorder arise, get in touch with your dentist. From there, they can conduct an exam of your oral cavity and determine the root of the problem. If it is indeed TMJ disorder, they can walk you through a few exercises you can do from home. By strengthening the supporting muscles, stretching your jaw, and increasing mobility, you’ll be on your way to a pain-free smile and bite again.
#2. Visit a Chiropractor
The next step is to schedule an appointment with your chiropractor. From there, they will help reduce tension and dysfunction in your jaw and spine, providing a comprehensive approach to your treatment. Plus, they can share important information, like the link between nutrition and jawbone development! As a result, you can put a proper nutrition plan in place to keep your child’s jaw strong and healthy throughout the years as well.
#3. Use a Cold Compress
To reduce puffiness and relieve pain, place a cold compress against the outside of your cheek. Follow the “10 minutes on, 10 minutes off” rotation until you feel the cooling effect begin to numb your jaw. If you don’t have a cold compress, you can also use a towel-wrapped icepack or a bag of peas!
#4. Take OTC Pain Medication as Directed
If you’re still experiencing TMJ pain, even after using the above best practices, then take over-the-counter pain medication as directed. However, this is only a short-term solution. For lasting relief, you should seek professional treatment. With this in mind, make sure to stay in touch with your dental team throughout the process and schedule a follow-up appointment if the pain persists.
About the Author
Dr. Ellis Shwarts earned his dental doctorate at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio before making his dream of opening his own dental practice a reality! Now, he and his team at Shwarts Family Dentistry help patients with everything from routine checkups to TMJ-related treatment. For him, comprehensive care is important, which is why he is proud to work with the experts at Paramount Chiropractic & Wellness to treat unpleasant symptoms like migraines. So, if you’re struggling with any of the above symptoms or would simply like to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to visit our website or give us a call at 972-437-6035.