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