Curing TMJ
The temporomandibular joint, which fastens the jawbone to the skull and supports the jaw’s movement, is responsible for nearly every movement your jaw makes. This joint, shortened as the TMJ, is subjected to consistent wear and tear with every yawn, swallow, smile, bite, and utterance, potentially leading to uncomfortable TMJ disorders. TMJ disorders can be triggered by destructive habits like chronic clenching or teeth grinding, accidents that cause impact or trauma to the face, and as a result of simple aging or arthritis. Regardless of the cause, TMJ disorder is reversible, and, with diligent attention and treatment, it can even be cured permanently. If the pain of your TMJ disorder is debilitating or if an unfamiliar pain persists, see your dentist. For more mild to moderate TMJ flare-ups, there are ways to manage pain and reduce or eliminate symptoms for good.
How Can I Cure TMJ at Home?
If your TMJ is caused by damaging habits like clenching or grinding, which characterize a condition called bruxism, or by anything that puts excessive pressure on the joint, the first step is to address this excessive pressure. Your dentist can recommend a mouthguard that you can wear while sleeping, which relieves pressure on the joint caused by bruxism and can eliminate TMJ. If your disorder arose because you chew excessively, crunching on ice cubes or habitually chomping gum, avoiding these repetitive movements and the excessive pressure they place on the jaw can relieve TMJ and prevent damage caused by long-term extreme use. In many cases, resting the jaw for a period makes TMJ subside; in some cases, rest combined with physical therapy, jaw exercises, or stress-reduction practices is sufficient for eliminating the symptoms of TMJ. For more persistent or invasive cases of TMJ disorder, nerve stimulation or, rarely, surgical treatments might be required for complete healing.
How Can I Relieve the Pain While I Heal?
While your jaw rests and heals, you can relieve pain and discomfort with a moist, warm compress applied to the inflamed area of the jaw, which helps relax the muscle and increase blood flow. Cold compresses can also be used to numb pain and reduce swelling; cold therapies are particularly good when arthritis is the root cause of TMJ. Whether you prefer hot compresses or cold, be sure to protect your facial skin by insulating the compress with a soft cloth, and, when using a cold compress, don’t apply the compress for more than 15 minutes at a stretch, alternating time on and off as continued treatment is desired. More severe discomfort can be addressed with over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. If the pain associated with TMJ has radiated to the head, ear, neck, or face, or if the pain persists, your doctor might prescribe muscle relaxers to help these severe symptoms abate while the underlying cause of irritation is addressed. In many cases, the discomfort or pain of TMJ disorder can be alleviated in just a couple of weeks with rest and home treatment, and dental attention can help prevent further issues and teach you how to prevent painful TMJ disorder from recurring.