8 Ways To Relieve TMD Pain

Apr 18th, 2021
Easton Dentists May 6th, 2021

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) is a disorder that affects the temporomandibular joint, jaw muscles, and even nerves on one or both sides of the head.  Pain in the jaw, face, head, and neck are indicators that you suffer from TMD.  If you suffer from TMD, here are a few tips and tricks to help ease your pain.

  1. Jaw Exercises

Gentle and slow exercises may help improve your jaw mobility and promote healing.  Your dentist or physical therapist can help evaluate your condition and based on that evaluation a series of exercises can be suggested.

  1. Relax Facial Muscles

Make a concentrated effort to relax your jaw muscles and keep your teeth apart.  This will relieve the stress on your facial muscles.

  1. Relaxation Techniques

Meditation, massage, and yoga can be instrumental in relaxing muscles tightened by stress.

  1. Over-the-Counter Analgesics

The short-term use of over-the-counter pain medication and anti-inflammatory’s, like ibuprofen, can provide temporary relief.  In some cases, your dentist can prescribe stronger medications.

  1. 8 Soft Diet

Blended or soft foods allow the jaw to relax temporarily.  Avoid hard, chewy or crunchy foods.  You should also avoid stretching your jaw to bite into food like apples.

  1. Moist Heat

Wrap a hot water bottle or heat pack in a warm, moist towel for temporary relief and to improve function.  As with anything that is heated, be careful that you don’t burn yourself.

  1. Ice

As with the above, ice can bring temporary relief by numbing your jaw.  When using ice, you should never place it directly on your skin; instead, wrap it in a clean cloth and you should not use it for more than 10-15 minutes at a time.

  1. Side Sleeping

Using a pillow for support between your shoulder and neck, side sleeping is another way you can relax your jaw.

Here at The Dental Center at Easton, our goal is to keep you healthy.  If you or someone you know is suffering from Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, call us for an appointment and we’ll help get you on the fast track to healing.

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month

Apr 9th, 2021
Easton Dentists May 6th, 2021

Someone dies every hour of every day of every year of oral and oropharyngeal cancer (cancer of the mouth and throat).  This disease used to predominately affect people over the age of 50 who were heavy drinkers and smokers. More recently, these diseases are detected more frequently in younger people who neither smoke nor drink.

Early detection is key with cancers of the mouth and throat, through oral cancer examinations. A regular exam, performed by your dentist regularly, such as Dr. Gilmer in Columbus,  can catch signs of oral cancer before it’s too late.  Catching and treating cancer early can ultimately lead to a complete recovery. In addition to regular exams, part of early detection includes contacting your dentist if you have any of the following symptoms that persist for longer than 2 weeks:

  • A lingering sore or irritation
  • Pain, tenderness, or numbness in the mouth or lips
  • Difficulty speaking, chewing or swallowing
  • Difficulty moving your jaw
  • Red or white patches in your mouth
  • A change in your bite when your mouth is closed

April is the perfect time to take action in preventing oral cancer. Contact the dentists at The Dental Center today to schedule an appointment for an oral cancer examination. Remember – early detection can save your life!