Some Self-Care Tips for TMJ Patients for Pain Relief
If you suffer from pain in your jaw, you hear constant clicking noises when you open or close your mouth, or you experience tenderness, you are not alone. Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ) is when you experience intense pain and difficulty moving your jaw and the surrounding muscles. While TMJ treatment is available from a Markham dentist, there are several things you can do on your own to help you find relief.
Watch What You Eat
What you eat can play a role in the amount of pain you experience around your jaw’s joint. When you eat foods that require an excessive amount of chewing, it causes your jaw to constantly move, causing you pain. It is best to find foods that are soft and can easily slide down your throat without a lot of movement such as soft bread, smoothies, soups, etc. You want to avoid foods such as tough meats, crackers, and gum.
Use an Ice Pack
When you feel a significant amount of pain in your jaw, it can be difficult to find instant relief. One option is to place an ice pack on your jaw joints. This will help to relieve some of the inflammation in your jaw joint and help you feel better. Make sure that you don’t place the ice pack directly on the skin but rather, wrap it in a light rag. It is also best to apply it for a short amount of time on your skin as well.
Practice Stress-Reducing Techniques
For many people, when they experience high levels of stress, they will clench their jaw and grind their teeth. This is one cause of TMJ and it can create a significant amount of pain. To find relief, practice stress-relieving techniques that work for you. For example, going for a run, meditating, working on a hobby, taking a hot bath, etc., are all ways that you can lower your stress levels. Try to incorporate these different techniques into your daily life. You can visit with an expert at a TMJ clinic for additional stress-relieving techniques.
If you are looking for TMJ pain treatment, call one of our friendly staff members at Markham 7 Dental. There is no reason you should live in pain each day. Schedule your next appointment and let’s find the TMJ treatment that is best for you.
