Authored by: Dr. Ilan Price
Help Yourself First – Remember, Less is More!
In many cases, jaw issues resolve on their own within a few weeks or months.
If you’ve recently experienced pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) or functional issues in the jaw area, you may find relief through some or all of the following suggestions.
- Moist Heat: Applying moist heat from a heating pad or a hot water bottle wrapped in a damp towel can improve function and reduce pain in the area. Be careful not to burn the skin when applying heat to the jaw.
- Ice: Applying ice or a cold pack to the jaw can reduce inflammation, numb the pain, and promote healing. Never apply ice directly to the skin; always wrap it in a clean cloth. Use ice for no more than 10-15 minutes at a time.
- Soft Foods: Eating soft or liquid foods allows the jaw to rest temporarily. Avoid hard, crunchy foods or those that require a lot of chewing. Also, avoid foods that force you to open your mouth wide, such as corn on the cob, whole apples, or other whole fruits.
- Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: For many people with TMJ disorders, short-term use of over-the-counter pain relievers or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may provide temporary relief from jaw discomfort. If necessary, your dentist or doctor may prescribe stronger pain relievers, anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxants, or antidepressants to help alleviate symptoms.
- Jaw Exercises: Gentle, slow jaw exercises can help increase jaw mobility and aid in healing. A healthcare provider or physical therapy specialist can assess your situation and recommend appropriate exercises based on your individual needs. Recent research has shown that therapeutic jaw exercises help restore jaw function faster compared to immobilization.
- Relaxation Techniques: Relaxation and guided imagery can be helpful in coping with pain associated with TMJ disorders. Deep and slow breathing enhances relaxation and modulates pain perception. Activities like yoga, massage, and meditation can also help reduce stress and promote physical relaxation.
- Side Sleeping: Try sleeping on your side with a pillow that supports the area between your neck and shoulder.
- Relax Facial Muscles: Focus on relaxing your lips and keeping your upper and lower teeth apart.
- Yawning: Use your fist to support your chin when yawning to prevent damage to the joint and avoid locking your jaw in an open position.
Avoid the Following:
- Clenching the jaw
- Chewing gum
- Cradling the phone between your shoulder and ear, which can irritate the jaw and neck muscles
Before undergoing surgery or long, complex dental procedures, discuss your jaw limitations with your healthcare provider. This allows your dentist to take extra precautions. Anesthetics used in dental procedures can affect jaw opening and damage an already compromised joint. If possible, avoid dental treatments that require keeping the mouth open for more than 30 minutes.
Remember, if TMJ issues worsen over time, seek professional medical assistance promptly. On the other hand, educating yourself is the first step to understanding your condition better. Informed patients can communicate more effectively with healthcare providers, ask relevant questions, and make well-informed decisions.
By seeking information through this site, you’re on the right path to becoming a knowledgeable and informed patient, better equipped to help yourself.
How to relieve jaw pain with innovative and high-quality treatments? Consult with the experts at Dr. Ilan Price’s clinic. We guarantee responsibility, quality, and innovation in treating jaw pain. Contact us for consultation and appointments!
