Those with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder often deal with chronic jaw pain. It’s something you might be all too familiar with, but it often turns into a headache and can bring you down. You may wonder if there is a way to get relief from it. The good news is that there are some ways that you can! Here are four things you can consider trying out, and how one of them can be a long-term solution.
1.) Take Care of Your Stress
Many people tend to clench their teeth and jaw when they are stressed or anxious. You might do the same, but the pressure can flare your TMJ disorder and cause the headaches you may be feeling. One way that you can reduce the pain you feel is by managing your stress levels.
Yoga, deep breathing, meditation, warm baths, and heating pads are some options that can help you ground yourself and soothe the muscles in your mouth. By finding what works for you, you might be able to improve your discomfort.
2.) Steer Clear of Certain Foods
Certain foods you eat may also be triggering your TMJ disorder. Crunchy and hard items can put strain on the joints, so you can consider swapping to a softer diet. Gentler options like these are much easier to chew through, so you don’t have to put your smile under too much pressure. That way, you don’t have to blame mealtimes for your headache anymore.
3.) Use Pain Relievers
If the discomfort you feel is so severe, then you can opt for using over-the-counter medication to manage it. However, it isn’t recommended you use this method daily for your TMJ-related headaches. Just be sure to follow the directions on the label to find out the right dosage for you.
4.) Get Professional Treatment
Your dentist is also here to help you with your TMJ disorder. They can give you treatments that help fix the underlying cause and significantly reduce your discomfort. One option you have is a Homeoblock appliance. This is an orthodontic device that expands the upper jaw, which can help your dental arches work together.
Another thing you can ask about is BioRejuvenation dentistry. This is a multifaceted approach to smiles that’s designed to help your oral structures flow in harmony. Each treatment plan is tailored to each person, but some things that can be in it are TMJ physical therapy, restorative care, or treatments from local specialists. That way, you get the long-lasting relief from your headaches.
About the Author
Dr. Steve Cha earned his dental degree from the Loma Linda University School of Dentistry. He is happy to help the McKinney community with their TMJ disorder by first finding the root cause of their jaw pain. Afterward, you can get the long-lasting treatment you deserve to lessen the symptoms you feel. If you have any questions, schedule an appointment or call Dr. Cha’s office at (972) 529-1800.