TMJ Pain Relief Options From Your Local Dentist

Your general dentist can help with your TMJ pain. Studies show that your TMJ has the important job of attaching your lower jaw to your skull. You have been using your jaw joints since birth. But that does not mean it is natural for it to give out. Below are some TMJ pain relief options straight from your general dentist.

Perform jaw exercises

The general dentist can recommend some exercises to stretch the mouth and strengthen the jaw. Research shows that when jaws have less or no pain, the jaw is stronger. Performing jaw exercises every day can help tone the jaw muscles. Creating a routine for these workouts can help improve the patient’s quality of life.

Ease stress

Studies show that people tend to practice jaw clenching and teeth grinding when stress levels are high. Constant anxiety pushes the body to deteriorate. That is why the general dentist recommends decompressing by the end of each day or whenever the patient needs to. Doing so can rest the jaws.

Wear oral appliances

Research reveals that bruxism often happens during evening sleep. The general dentist will suggest wearing a night guard. These custom-fit devices can prevent teeth grinding and jaw clenching. A night guard can also align the jaw while the patient sleeps. This overnight alignment can help relieve tension in the jaw joints. Patients who need daytime help can wear dental splints during waking hours.

Take prescription medications

Sometimes, TMJ pain goes away by taking prescription medications. The general dentist will prescribe dental medications to help the patient relax, which removes stress in the jaw area. These drugs may be anti-anxiety medications or muscle relaxants. Extreme TMJ pain may need prescription pain relievers.

Get enough restful sleep at night

Sleep is crucial for one’s health. Research shows that inadequate sleep adds to stress. This combination aggravates TMJ pain. The general dentist suggests that sleeping on the back with proper neck support can reduce TMJ pain. Refrain from sleeping face down. Avoid placing a hand on the jaw while sleeping sideways.

Correct one’s posture

Research shows that maintaining proper posture allows one to have less jaw pain and back pain. This practice also relieves pain in other areas of the body. The general dentist also recommends reducing activities with wide jaw movements. Maintain the most relaxed state of the jaw muscles.

Avoid some foods and behaviors

Some foods cause the mouth to open wider when chewed. Avoid these foods and stick to small bites. Some habits also contribute to TMJ pain. Taking large bites of food and nail biting are habits that one must stop for the sake of jaw health.

When chronic migraines start

The general dentist explains that when a migraine strikes, there may be a chronic issue occurring in the body. This concept is true with TMJ pain. This condition springs from the tension in muscles surrounding the jaw joints. TMJ headaches and migraines occur when the pain in the jaw muscles and joints radiates to the muscles in the head.