How To Alleviate Jaw Pain and Dysfunction

What are TMJ Disorders and What Causes Them?

TMJ disorders affect the temporomandibular joint, which is located at the base of the skull. Symptoms can cause varying amounts of discomfort, and most will resolve themselves within a couple of months. However, some may be ongoing or reoccur.

TMJ disorders can occur for a variety of reasons — including genetic, hormonal, or environmental factors — but some of the most common types of causes include:

• physical injury
• arthritis
• grinding or clenching the teeth during sleep
• autoimmune diseases
• dental surgery
• infections

The Symptoms of TMJ Disorders

TMJ disorders can include a wide variety of symptoms, the most common being:

Pain — This is the most obvious, with the pain occurring during movement of the jaw. Other symptoms include headaches, migraines, neck and back aches, and pain around the ears.

Sounds — A painless symptom is grinding noises that can occur during eating or talking, or unusual popping and clicking. While jaw noises are quite common, when they occur with pain or limited movement of the jaw, you should visit your dentist. Buzzing or ringing of the ears is also quite common.

How To Alleviate Jaw Pain

The good news is that there are things you can do at home that can reduce the TMJ pain you’re experiencing.

Hot and Cold Pressure

If you’re experiencing sharp pain in your jaw joints, apply a pair of cold packs. The cold numbs your nerves, which can dull pain messages that go to your brain. If instead you’re experiencing a dull, steady ache rather than sharp pain, soak a couple of washcloths in warm water and hold them to your face for about 20 minutes. The heat will increase blood circulation to the area and relax jaw muscles.

Manual Massage

By massaging the areas around your jaws, you can enhance blood flow to the area and relieve muscle tightness. Open your mouth, then rub the muscles by the ears near your jaw joints. Place your forefingers on the sore areas, and move them around, pressing gently, until the muscle relaxes. Close your mouth and repeat the massage. It can also be beneficial to massage the muscles on the side of your neck, which reduces tension that can contribute to TMJ pain

Stay Declined

That’s not to say you should be lying down, but rather that you want to avoid leaning forward if you sit in a chair all day long. When you’re angled forward, you’re putting strain on your neck and back, which can create jaw pain. If you find yourself cradling a phone between your shoulder and cheek, get a headset so that you’re not aggravating the TMJ joint.

Watch What You Eat

When possible, avoid extremely crunchy and chewy foods like apples, carrots, beef jerky, and chewing gum. This will spare your jaws from overwork, particularly when the aching and clicking are severe. It can also help to cut your food into smaller portions, so you don’t have to overwork your jaw.

Put Your Guard Up

Or rather, put your guard in. If nightly teeth grinding or clenching is contributing to your TMD, talk to your dentist about getting a custom-made night bite guard that will reduce improper sensory input, help alleviate symptoms, and protect the teeth from uncontrollable destructive habits.

If you have any of the symptoms above or simply need your six-month oral wellness visit, contact Gole Dental in Hastings and Cascade, MI right away, our experts are standing by and are here to help!