How to Treat TMJ
Do you have a toothache that comes and goes? Do you clench your teeth when under stress and notice that your jaw starts to hurt? Chances are, you have a case of TMJ.
TMJ, or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, is an extremely painful condition that you don’t want to ignore. It improves with professional treatment, but if left alone, it can ruin your life, from impacting your relationships to consistently missing work days.
Here is a quick guide on how to treat TMJ, as well as things you should know if you’re currently suffering from it.
How to Treat TMJ: The Best Practices
There is no definitive answer to the question of how best to treat TMJ. However, certain practices should be followed to maximize the chances of successful TMJ treatment. You can also go here for more info on your options.
Maintain the Resting Position of Your Jaw
One of the most important things is to maintain the resting position of your jaw. This means keeping your teeth in line with your ears and your chin in line with your nose.
You may need to wear a splint at night to keep your jaw in this position, or you may need to have TMJ surgery to correct the alignment of your jaw.
In most cases, however, simply maintaining the correct position of your jaw will help to reduce the symptoms of TMJ.
Correct Your Posture
This will help to relieve the pain and pressure on your jaws and face. By keeping your head up and your shoulders back, you will take the pressure off of your TMJ and help to prevent further pain.
Get a Good Night’s Sleep
This is because when we sleep, our muscles have a chance to relax and heal, and this can help reduce the pain and inflammation associated with TMJ.
In addition, getting enough restful sleep can help reduce stress, which can also be a trigger for TMJ flare-ups. So if you are struggling with TMJ, aim to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night and see if this makes a difference in your symptoms.
Exercise Your Jaw
One way to help with TMJ pain relief is to exercise the jaw. This can be done by opening the mouth as wide as possible and holding it for 10 seconds and repeating this 10 times.
Another way to exercise the jaw is to place the fingertips of the thumb and forefinger on the lower jaw and gradually open the mouth.
Prevention of TMJ
Maintaining good oral hygiene is the best way to prevent TMJ. Brushing and flossing daily will remove food particles and plaque from your teeth, which can cause TMJ.
In addition, avoid chewing hard foods and objects, as this can put stress on your jaw. If you must chew hard foods, do so on both sides of your mouth to evenly distribute the force.
Chewing gum can also help reduce the risk of TMJ, as it exercises the muscles in your jaw.
Visit Your Dentist and Get Treated Right Away
Learning how to treat TMJ is very important. If left untreated, TMJ can lead to permanent damage to the joints and muscles surrounding it. If you think you may have TMJ, see your dentist or doctor for an evaluation.
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