How Do You Fix TMJ Pain?
If you feel pain when you move your jaw, or pain in the sides of your head below your ears, you might have a TMJ disorder or dysfunction.
The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are the joints at each side of the jaw that enable it to move when you chew, speak and open and close your mouth. When something affects these joints, it can cause pain, difficulty moving the jaw, headaches and other symptoms.
If you think you might have a TMJ disorder, you should make an appointment to see a dentist. They can examine your jaw and joints and ask about your symptoms to determine the best TMJ treatment options for you.
What causes TMJ pain?
To develop your TMJ treatment plan, your dentist will want to understand what’s causing it. There can be many possible reasons for TMJ pain, including:
- An uneven bite caused by misaligned or worn teeth
- Injury to the jaw or nearby areas
- Teeth grinding (bruxism), which may be related to stress or anxiety
- Health conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or fibromyalgia
In some cases, it may not be clear what’s causing your TMJ pain, but your dentist can still suggest treatments or pain relief.
How can TMJ pain be treated?
Mild TMJ symptoms may go away or improve by themselves. Your dentist will discuss options for pain relief or addressing an underlying problem.
Pain relief medication
Some over-the-counter painkillers or anti-inflammatory gels may help to relieve TMJ pain and swelling, but these are only temporary measures and may not treat the real problem.
Modify dietary and lifestyle factors
Changing your eating habits could make TMJ pain less common or less severe, such as:
- Avoiding hard and sticky foods that put more strain on your jaw
- Cutting food into smaller pieces that require less chewing
- Trying not to clench your jaw or open your mouth too wide
- Not chewing gum
Relaxation techniques
Stress and anxiety that cause teeth grinding or jaw clenching can contribute to TMJ pain. Your dentist might suggest some relaxation techniques or gentle jaw strengthening exercises to try at home. They can also give you other advice about managing your stress levels.
Dental treatments
If your TMJ problem is caused by misaligned or worn teeth, your dentist can recommend treatments to balance your bite and relieve pressure. These could include:
- Crowns or fillings to restore a worn or misshapen tooth
- Braces or clear aligners to straighten teeth
- Wearing a bite splint similar to a mouthguard at night to prevent teeth grinding
Surgery
Most cases of TMJ dysfunction can be treated with one or more of the above approaches. If these aren’t successful, surgery may be needed, though this is rare. This involves a minor operation to remove obstructions and repair the jaw joints directly. Your dentist will make sure you know what to expect and what the alternatives are.
See a dentist in Mosman today
Do you have TMJ pain or another problem with your jaw? Our experienced dentists at Mosman 3D Dental can help. Call our friendly team today on (02) 9969 8610 or make an appointment online at a time that’s good for you.