Are There Natural Remedies for TMJ Pain Relief?
Temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMD, is an issue with the joints in the jaws. It affects how you move your jaws and causes pain when you smile, laugh, talk, chew or sing. There are various treatments for TMJ disorders that provide pain relief and restore jaw mobility. Read on to learn if there are natural remedies for TMD recommended by a dentist in Fort Lee.
Causes and Symptoms of TMJ Disorders
The misalignment of the temporomandibular joint muscles causes temporomandibular joint disorders. This may be due to excessive strain on the muscles in the jaw joints when you clench or grind your teeth. Other causes include arthritis, genetics, and dental trauma that affect the temporomandibular joints.
The symptoms and signs requiring TMJ treatment in Fort Lee, NJ, include:
- Difficulties and pain while biting, talking, yawning, or chewing
- Limited jaw movement that results in intense pain
- Pain around the ears, face, jaw, or neck
- Popping or clicking noises when closing or opening the mouth
- Swelling around the face and jaws
- Migraines and headaches
- Earaches and ringing in the ears
- Dizziness
- Trouble sleeping as usual
How Do Dentists Treat TMJ Disorders?
When you visit the dentist near you with the symptoms above, they will perform a diagnosis. It may involve discussing your symptoms and examining the jaw. If they suspect you have issues with the jaw joint, they will conduct extensive diagnoses.
They usually involve dental x-rays, CT scans, and MRI of your teeth and jaw. If necessary, the dentist will do a TMJ arthroscopy which helps them view your jaw joints closely. The results of the diagnoses will allow the dentist to determine the most suitable treatment option for you. They may recommend either of the treatments below.
- Medications
They will prescribe medicine to ease the symptoms of TMJ. These include pain relievers and anti-inflammatories. The expert can also prescribe tricyclic antidepressants to control stress which causes bruxism. In addition, they will recommend the use of muscle relaxants. These reduce muscle spasms in the jaws and relieve pain.
- Occlusal appliances
The dentist will custom-make oral splints or mouth guards to be worn on the bottom or top jaw. These oral appliances keep your teeth from touching, preventing teeth from grinding and clenching. Consequently, you will not experience pain and other symptoms of TMD.
- Surgery
Severe TMJ disorders cannot be treated through medication or occlusal appliances. Therefore, your dentist will perform surgery to treat the issues and reduce pain. They may perform arthrocentesis, TMJ arthroscopy, modified condylotomy, or open-joint surgery. These procedures are safe and pain-free since the dentist will use sedatives.
Are There Natural Remedies for Tmj Pain Relief?
Yes, there are natural remedies for TMJ pain relief. Below are some popular and effective natural remedies to relieve TMD pain.
- Check what you eat
Eating becomes difficult and painful when you have issues with your temporomandibular joints. Therefore, you must avoid aggravating the joint muscles by eating the right foods. Consume soft foods that do not require prolonged chewing. Avoid taking large bites or tearing hard foods with your teeth. Also, pick an anti-inflammatory diet to help reduce swelling and rebuild tissue.
- Use heat or cold therapy
Reduce swelling and pain in your jaw, neck, and face using cold or hot compresses. Apply ice to the affected area for about 15 minutes to ease pain and swelling. Use moist heat on the site to increase blood flow and relax the muscles in the jaw joints. This will prevent jaw locking and promote ease of movement.
- Exercise the jaw
Do dentist-approved jaw exercises to increase mobility in the joints and relieve pain. These include stretching, relaxation, and strengthening exercises. Practice them for an hour each day since overdoing them can worsen the problems. You can also consider chiropractic adjustments and exercises.
- Rest and reduce stress
Stress contributes significantly to TMJ disorders. So, find ways to reduce stress and avoid situations that trigger it. Get enough rest and avoid overworking your jaw. While sleeping, lie on your back while supporting your neck with pillows to prevent pain.
Conclusion
TMJ disorders negatively impact your quality of life since they cause intense pain when you open or close your mouth. Although natural remedies provide TMJ pain relief, the issue can recur. So, it is prudent to visit the experts at So Good Dental for permanent relief for TMD.