Effectively treating your TMJ disorder requires that you consult with the right neuromuscular dentist and sometimes that you be a little patient. There’s always time in between appointments and waiting for treatments to provide relief, but there are some practices you can implement on your own for some DIY TMJ self-care.
How Do You Know It’s TMJ?
How do people know when to seek medical attention about their potential TMJ disorder (TMD)?
Some of the most common conditions associated with TMD include:
- Sleep apnea
- Headaches
- Migraines
- Lockjaw
- Popping of the joint
- Painful chewing
- Forward head posture
You’re Not the Only One
Living with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder is a reality for over 10 million Americans. Unfortunately, many of those suffering through the wide spectrum of TMJ-related symptoms don’t realize they have it or aren’t actively seeking treatment. One of the best ways to combat some of these discrepancies in treatment is through DIY TMJ self-care.
5 Self-Care Tips for Living With TMJ
- Eat soft foods: Eating softer foods puts less stress on your jaw muscles because they require less pressure to break down.
- Apply an ice pack: Ice is a well-known DIY pain reliever. Applying an ice pack to the affected area can reduce the blood flow to the area. During our inflammation response, blood flow is increased to problematic areas and translates into pain. Using an ice pack also works to numb the area, which can provide temporary relief.
- Avoid extreme jaw movements: Yawning, loud singing, gum chewing, and eating hard foods that require more pressure to break into or to chew through can cause added stress on the jaw, thus exacerbating symptoms. By avoiding these kinds of stressors, people suffering from TMJ usually experience less severe symptoms and are in less pain.
- Learn to relax and reduce stress: Stress often manifests itself physically and leads people subconsciously to tense their muscles, clench their jaw, or perform repetitive “tics” like lip or cheek chewing. Stress management practices such as meditation, prayer, or exercise, can help avoid these behaviors.
- Practice gentle jaw stretching and exercises: Stretching before a workout prepares your muscles for activity by improving range of motion, preventing injury, and decreasing muscle stiffness. The same practice can work for your facial and jaw muscles too!
Treating TMJ Disorder in Burke, VA
Dr. Pamela Marzban has years of experience treating patients with cosmetic dental problems, TMJ disorder, and airway issues. By promoting and focusing on Beauty, Balance, and Breath, our dedicated team of dental professionals provides patients with beautiful, balanced, and functional smiles. For more information on how TMJ disorder and what treatment options would work best for you, contact Dr. Pamela Marzban’s office at 703-323-8200.
