Have you been experiencing recurring jaw pain or a migraine? Do you hear clicking or popping sounds from your mouth while eating or yawning? If yes, then you might need to see a dentist near you since both of these symptoms could be related to a TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) disorder.
What Is TMJ Disorder?
TMJ is the joint connecting your jawbone to your skull. It is responsible for the smooth movements of your jaws when you eat or speak. While this joint is made to handle the mobility that our jaws require for several activities throughout the day, it can also develop problems that restrict its normal functioning. When the temporomandibular joint begins to malfunction due to various reasons, it is called a TMJ disorder.
The symptoms of TMJ disorder can be mild or severe. Irrespective of the intensity of the pain, your everyday activities are affected by a TMJ disorder. Chronic pain in the jaws, facial pain, severe headaches or earaches all signal that you need to search for TMJ treatment near you.
However, there are a few methods you can try at home to get relief from TMJ pain before you visit your dentist in Wetaskiwin.
What Can You Do To Relieve TMJ Pain At Home?
Here are 5 things you can try at home to reduce pain from TMJ disorder:
1. Avoid Sleeping Face-down
When you sleep on your stomach with your face down, your jaws are under pressure. To minimize stress to your TMJ, you should avoid sleeping in this position. Instead, sleeping on your back provides better support to your jaws and will help relax the jaw muscles.
2. Reduce Your Stress Levels
Stress is a prime cause of TMJ disorders as people often clench their teeth when under stress causing unnecessary pressure on the TMJ. Teeth clenching also leads to headaches and painful jaws. To reduce the effect of these symptoms of TMJ disorder, you should try to manage your stress. Try some breathing techniques or listen to calming music to relax and lower your stress.
3. Make Changes In Your Diet
If you are experiencing TMJ pain, you must do everything possible to reduce pressure on your jaws. Eating hard or chewy foods, such as nuts or candies, can aggravate the pain in your jaws. Consuming soft foods will make your jaws work a little less and help them heal. This slight change in your diet can help you manage your TMJ pain by yourself before visiting a dentist near you.
4. Use Heat Therapy
Heat therapy is known to promote the circulation of blood in our bodies. It helps to relax taut muscles and provide pain relief. Using moist heat therapy in the form of warm moist towels or moist heat packs is a good way to manage your TMJ pain at home before consulting your dentist.
5. Taking Anti-inflammatory Pain Medication
If TMJ pain becomes severe or causes too much discomfort, you can try over-the-counter pain relief medications, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, to get relief. However, make sure the medication is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and bear in mind that long-term use of such medication can lead to several health risks.
Trying these methods at home to get respite from TMJ disorder pain can help to some extent, but ultimately you will need to undergo proper TMJ treatment in Wetaskiwin to resolve the problem. Our dentists at Wetaskiwin Family Dental are experienced in treating TMJ disorders and can recommend treatments ranging from custom mouth guards to suitable dental treatments to align your bite correctly. Book an appointment with us to find the immediate and appropriate solution for your TMJ pain.