TMJ Relief From Your Dentist in Louisville, KY
More and more people are experiencing jaw pain, migraines, facial pain, ear ringing, and pain. In most cases, the pain is related to TMJ, or temporomandibular joint.
What is TMJ?
Temporomandibular joint TMJ (tem-puh-roe-man-DIB-u-lur) are joints on both sides of the face, just in front of the ears, that connect the lower jawbone to the skull. TMJ helps movements like opening your mouth, chewing, and talking.
What is TMD?
TMD is a temporomandibular joint disorder and refers to any TMJ dysfunction. Many people use both terms (TMJ and TMD) interchangeably.TMJ disorders occur when the muscles and ligaments around the jaw joints become inflamed and irritated. from
When there is a TMJ disorder, it can cause an extraordinary amount of pain. For this reason, we have five tips to help relieve the pain so you can be at ease.
Most TMJ patients are clenching or grinding their upper and lower teeth, causing the face and jaw muscles to tighten and the culprit of facial pain.
Read our five tips you can perform at home to help relax the muscles and reduce the pain from your dentist in Louisville, KY.
#1 Hot and cold therapy
Applying hot or cold packs to the affected joint may provide relief. Cold can reduce swelling, while heat can soothe and relax the area and increase blood circulation.
#2 Soft or blended diet
Soft foods like soups, smoothies, and pasta can relieve pain, especially when you notice a flare-up in pain and clicking. Excessive chewing may exacerbate the issue, so taking smaller bites and avoiding chewy, crunchy, or hard foods is often best.
#3 Over-the-counter pain relievers
Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications such as Ibuprofen may provide temporary relief. Anti-inflammatories block pain and help reduce swelling in the joints and muscles around your jaw so you can begin healing.
#4 Exercises & Massage
Sometimes the best way to help yourself is to put in the work. Some helpful jaw exercises fall into three categories: strengthening, relaxing, and stretching. Daily routines can significantly reduce TMD pain. Click here for the TMJ exercises.
Applying gentle pressure to the jaw can relax tight, achy muscles and promote blood flow to the area. Try massaging the inflamed areas with light pressure on an opened and closed jaw. Massage the surrounding muscles, such as the neck, to reduce excess strain.
#5 Basic lifestyle changes
It is essential to look at your lifestyle and see what habits may contribute to your symptoms. TMD can also be worsened by chewing gum, stomach sleeping, jaw clenching from stress, and nervous habits like fingernail or pencil chewing.
#6 Consider Neuromuscular Dentistry
TMD may be caused or made worse by grinding the teeth at night while sleeping. Neuromuscular dentistry focuses on the muscles and nerves in and around the jaw. It also considers the correct positioning of the jaw and overall oral health. This approach can help treat TMD and provide more comfortable and longer-lasting solutions.
Visit Your Dentist in Louisville, KY
At Magnolia Dental, we want to help our patients find quick relief from TMJ pain, migraines, facial pain, and ear pain.
Our doctors have received special training to address TMD problems through neuromuscular dentistry. Our treatment utilizes modern technology to precisely determine the jaw’s proper positioning and place it into its optimal position to help relieve the symptoms associated with TMD.
Your dentist in Louisville, KY, can help you find pain relief options that work best for you!
