What if there’s actually something you can do at home to reduce the pain of your temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJD, considerably? Truth is you’ll need to seek medical care from a professional to find lasting relief to the pain that comes with TMJ disorders. That’s why we recommend you visit Dr. Norman and the Dream Smile team for effective TMJD treatment in Everett, Washington, and the surrounding areas.
That said, below are seven simple home remedies for TMJD so you can feel better faster:
1. Simple jaw exercises
There are a variety of gentle jaw exercises that can help your jaw feel better and move more freely. Your health care professional can assess your condition and help suggest exercises that will be appropriate for your case.
2. Soft diets
Hard, crunchy and chewy foods are the last foods you want to eat when you’re experiencing jaw pain. You’ll be better off with soft and blended foods that will help your jaw get temporary rest.
3. Ice packs
Applying ice packs for your TMJD pain will help you reduce inflammation, numb the pain and quicken the healing process. But make sure the ice packs are not placed directly on your skin. You can wrap them in a clean cloth and apply them for no more than 10 to 15 minutes.
4. Heat pack
You can also use moist heat from a heat pack or hot water bottle wrapped in a towel to improve mobility and decrease pain. But be careful not to burn yourself.
5. Muscle relaxation
Give your facial muscles a break by relaxing your lips while keeping your teeth apart. This helps keep the muscles in your face loose and mobile.
6. Yawning
Support your chin with your fist while yawning to prevent joint damage and also to stop your jaw from locking open.
7. Side sleeping
Always sleep on your side with a pillow or some sort of support between your neck and shoulder.
Keep in mind, while these home remedies can help bring you some relief, you still need to get medical care for TMJD treatment. If you need help with TMJD pain, contact Dr. Norman and the Dream Smile team at 425-366-7983 to get relief.
