Is TMJ disorder becoming a real pain? Find out the best treatment options for you.
Are you dealing with aching, throbbing or angry jaws? Do you clench or grind your teeth? Then your pain may be due to a TMJ disorder. From the office of your Noblesville, IN dentists Dr. Wayne Kinney and Dr. Zachary Gilbertson, find out more about how to eliminate your jaw pain fast.
Opt for Heat: A hot water bottle or heat pack can help improve jaw mobility and reduce pain. To prevent burns, wrap the heat pack in a moist towel before applying it to the skin.
Ice the Pain Away: While heat can soothe aching muscles ice has been known to reduce inflammation and pain. Just as you would with the hot water bottle, be sure to wrap the ice pack in a towel before applying it to the skin. Leave the ice on the affected area for no more than 15 minutes at a time.
Change Your Diet: Hard, crunchy and chewy foods may also leave you with a sore, tired or painful jaw. Give it a break by altering your diet to incorporate more soft foods.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Many people suffering from TMJ disorders can find temporary relief from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen. If these medications don’t happen to tackle your pain talk to your Noblesville general dentist about prescribing stronger pain medication or muscle relaxant.
Exercise: Did you know that some gentle jaw Exercises could improve jaw mobility and actually aid in faster recovery? Your dentist in Noblesville would be happy to show you some helpful exercises to do daily to help reduce your jaw pain. These exercises are easy to do and can be done anywhere.
Find Ways to Relax: Whether through deep relaxation, massage, meditation or yoga, find an outlet for your stress to reduce jaw tension and pain. By finding ways to relax you’ll also find a significant reduction in your TMJ-related pain.
If you don’t find the relief you need after exhausting all of these at-home tips then it’s time you visited us. Turn to Noblesville Dental Associates for all of your dental and jaw-related needs. You don’t have to just live with jaw pain.