TMJ disorder is one of the most common causes for chronic jaw pain. In many cases, the only way to relieve it is to diagnose your condition so your dentist can design a customized treatment plan to correct it. In minor cases, however, you may be able to temporarily relieve the pain in your jaws with a few at-home remedies that help relax your jaw joints and muscles. Today, we take a look at a few tips for temporary jaw pain relief that you can try at home before deciding to seek professional TMJ disorder treatment.
Try This First
- Massage your jaw joints – Your TMJs are located just below and in front of each ear, near your temporal lobes. When jaw pain strikes, it’s often because the joints and surrounding muscles have tensed up considerably. Try soothing the joints by massaging them gently and simultaneously, keeping your lower jaw as relaxed as possible.
- Use a heating pad – Heat is a highly effective way to physically relax your body’s muscles, including those in your jaw. Apply a heating pad or hot towels (but not too hot) to both sides of your jaw to further relax them and alleviate the pain and tension.
- Sit up straight – Your back, neck, head, face, and jaws are intricately connected, and when your back posture isn’t even, it can have an effect on how your jaw functions. Be sure to sit straight, with your back and hips properly aligned, especially when eating. Biting and chewing are the most involved functions of your bite, and improper posture while eating can exacerbate TMJ-related discomfort.
Ask Your Dentist About Relieving Your TMJs
If your jaw pain comes back, or doesn’t go away, then talk to your dentist about diagnosing and treating your TMJ disorder with a custom oral appliance. To learn more, schedule a consultation by calling Syosset Dental in Syosset, NY today at 516-433-2211 or 516-921-1678.
