How to Stop TMJ Pain

Pain experienced in any part of the body is just a way for the body to tell us that there is something wrong.  Clicking or popping noises in the opening or closing of the mouth, difficulty of opening the mouth, lock jaw, pain in opening the mouth, yawning or chewing, pain in and around the ear, neck pain or headaches, these are all symptoms of TMJ.

TMJ is also known as temporomandibular joint dysfunction and it is a disorder that many people have.  In TMJ, there is a dysfunction in the structures that facilitate chewing, swallowing and speaking.  The muscles, ligaments, joints and bones of the jaw allow you to open and close your mouth.  Movements of the lower jaw and the temporomandibular joints are also made possible by these structures.

These joints have two parts that are connected by a disk that make gliding actions and hinge actions possible for the mouth to open widely.   A problem that keeps any of these structures from working properly may result in a TMJ disorder and definitely, pain.

To stop TMJ pain, one must basically consult a doctor and a dentist to know if the symptoms experienced are TMJ or can lead to TMJ disorder. The procedure can be pretty time consuming and consists of a complete medical history, clinical exam, taking of casts and x-rays on the teeth.  Two specialists might even work on the clinical exams to get the proper diagnosis.  The doctor also explains how the joints function so you know what habits to stop like chewing gum.

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Immediate and easy ways to stop TMJ are with the use of over-the-counter pain relievers, anti-inflammatory medicines and muscle relaxants.  There are jaw therapies and exercises that one could do too.  These are aimed at the goal of strengthening and relaxing the jaw and muscles around it to stop the TMJ disorder.  Hot and cold compress is also a way to reduce the pain and tension around the jaw.

Massage of the jaw area can also soothe the jaw and the muscles.  Opening and closing of the jaw and moving it from side to side are good exercises to make the jaw stronger and these movements are recommended to be done for the duration of five minutes, five times throughout the day for a period of two to four weeks.

Make sure that gum, taffy or foods with that consistency are avoided.  Start with a soft food diet, natural foods like fruits and vegetables.  Lessen dairy and red meat as they cause inflammation.  Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like fish because it has anti-inflammatory effects.

Dental treatment like getting biteplates or braces may be recommended by a dentist in order to make sure that the lower and upper jaw is properly aligned.  This stops grinding of the teeth during sleep.  A person suffering from TMJ may also join classes that teach relaxation techniques to reduce tension in the jaw.  If all else fails, surgery can be done to correct TMJ and thus, stop the pain.