HEALTH
6 Home Remedies to Relieve TMJ Pain
Talking, laughing, smiling, and chewing are all jaw movements that you make daily without much thought. However, these simple movements can cause much pain if you have temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ). TMJ Leander discomfort may have a significant impact on your quality of life.
Teeth grinding is a common cause of temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJD), which can cause chronic pain and stiffness in the jaw, among other symptoms. There are a variety of therapies available to assist you to ease your discomfort.
Here are some home remedies to treat TMJ;
1. Eat soft meals
To prevent your jaws from overworking, eat soft meals like mashed potatoes, yogurt, mashed potatoes, soup, cottage cheese, salmon, scrambled eggs, cooked fruits and vegetables, beans, and grains. Avoid Hard and crunchy foods (such as pretzels, hard rolls, and raw carrots) and chewy foods (like taffy and caramels). In addition, avoid chewing gum.
2. Wear a bite guard
A bite guard (also known as a stabilizing splint) can protect your teeth from clenching or grinding. Bite guards are typically made of plastic, and they fit over your lower and upper teeth to keep them from rubbing together. Bite guards come in various styles; for example, you can wear a firm or soft bite guard.
Consult your physician or dentist to determine how long you should wear the bite guard. If the bite guard is causing you discomfort or changing the way you bite, stop using it immediately and consult your doctor.
3. Use heat or cold therapy
Applying wet, warm heat packs or ice packs to your jaw might assist in relaxing the muscles in your face and jaw. Your doctor will tell you how long to leave the ice pack or heat pack on and where to put them.
4. Learn to manage stress
Stress is one of the leading causes of TMJ. When people are worried, they tend to clench their jaws unconsciously throughout the day. If you are stressed, go for a walk daily to clear your thoughts, write down your concerns in a notebook, talk to a psychologist, try yoga, meditate, or soak in a bubble bath. Make every effort to relax and enjoy yourself.
5. Limit jaw movement
Your jaw may strain your jaw if you yawn, scream, or sing at the top of your lungs frequently. To give your Temporomandibular a respite from movement, try to limit any severe jaw motions in your daily life. This may help to alleviate some of your discomforts.
6. Try acupuncture or massage therapy
TMJ discomfort can also be relieved with acupuncture. The acupuncturist will insert needles in places surrounding your jaw and other areas to ease pain and enhance jaw function, enabling you to open your mouth easily. In addition, gently rubbing your TMJ joint can also help ease up the muscles surrounding your jaw and relieve pain.
Temporomandibular joint disorders may cause severe headaches, grinding and locking in your jaws, ringing in your ears, and neck pain. Fortunately, you may treat TMJ pain using home remedies. However, if the pain persists, you should seek further medical treatment. Contact Pendleton Orthodontics to book your appointment for TMJ treatment.
Harper Harrison is a reporter for The Hear UP. Harper got an internship at the NPR and worked as a reporter and producer. harper has also worked as a reporter for the Medium. Harper covers health and science for The Hear UP.
