According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, “the prevalence of temporomandibular joint and muscle disorder (TMJD) is between 5% and 12%.” Millions of Americans experience TMJ facial pain, which can lead to headaches, jaw aches, teeth grinding, ear aches, and other symptoms.
If you’re tired of living with TMJ pain, the tips below can help you find effective relief for your discomfort.
What Causes TMJ Pain
TMJ pain is typically the result of a misalignment in your smile. If your teeth are in the wrong position, they can create subtle pressure in targeted areas. That pressure builds up over time and yields a ripple effect of discomfort. You can relieve the pain by adjusting the size, shape, or placement of your teeth.
Learn more: What Causes TMJ Facial Pain
Temporary Forms of TMJ Pain Relief
The best way to treat TMJ pain is with the help of a dentist, but you may not be able to do that yet. Here are some TMJ pain relief options that may temporarily reduce your pain:
- Relax your jaw muscles. Be aware of when you’re clenching your jaws, like when you feel stressed, angry, or nervous.
- Use hot or cold compresses to relieve TMJ pain. Cold compresses will reduce swelling, but hot compresses can relax your muscles and encourage blood flow. Use the compress in 15-minute intervals.
- Avoid extreme jaw motions, such as screaming or taking bites of tall foods. Limit how much you talk on days when the TMJ pain feels intense.
- Meditate or do activities that keep you relaxed. This can reduce tension in your jaws and the pain that follows.
- Take over–the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. You may find one OTC medication to be more effective than another, or you may not find them effective at all. The ideal solution will be to treat the source of the pain instead of treating the symptoms.
Long-Lasting TMJ Treatment to Address the Issue at the Source
Long-lasting TMJ pain relief requires personalized solutions that are tailored to your needs. Some patients benefit from orthodontic treatment, while others need an occlusal device to address their TMD. Clinton Dental Center offers TMJ facial pain treatment at our dentist office in Chesterfield, MI. You can schedule a consultation to discuss your options and learn more about the treatments available to you. Contact us at (586) 949-5363 to get started.
