The temporomandibular joint (TMJ)is the connecting joint between our skull and the jaw. It promotes chewing, speaking, and any activity, including opening your mouth. Therefore, experiencing complications in the joint can significantly affect the quality of life as any activity involving opening your mouth becomes difficult. Fortunately, the TMJ Dundalk specialists offer treatments to manage joint pain and allow you to continue your quality of life. The treatment options depend on the cause and nature of your symptoms. Your doctor can recommend several lifestyle changes and prescribe painkillers. Here is more information.

Limit Pressure on the Jaw

It is critical to avoid putting unnecessary pressure on your TMJ when you are experiencing pain. Avoid chewing gums, yawning, or any other sort of extreme jaw movement. Eat foods that are easily chewable to limit the stress on the jaw. You can consider eating rice, soups, soft fruits, cooked vegetables, stews, small pieces of poultry, and eggs.

Do jaw Exercises

Discuss with your doctor about jaw exercises if your joint is painful. Not all exercises can help, but stretching and relaxing the jaw are much more beneficial. You can slowly attempt to sluggishly open and close your mouth for about five minutes twice a day. You can also bring the tip of the tongue to your teeth and bring it backward using the roof of your mouth. Take the tip back to the teeth while opening the mouth. You can also make a loose O with your mouth while maintaining the tip of your mouth on the roof of your mouth. However, please stop doing any exercise if it causes more pain. Remember to consult your doctor or physical therapist before attempting the exercises.

Get a Bite Guide

Some people have experienced TMJ pain improvements using a bite guide. Your doctor can make the stabilizations splint in the office to fit your bite. The devices are used temporarily and have no impact on your bite. Talk to your doctor for more advanced treatments if your pain persists or worsens while using the devices. Understand that the treatment has not been proven to have benefited many people in the past.

Use Heat or Cold

Heat can improve the pain and function of the TMJ joint. Get a heat pack and apply it to the painful area. Be sure to wrap the pack to avoid direct application to your skin to omit complications. You can also use a hot water bottle wrapped in a cloth or soak a cloth in hot water. You can also try an ice pack if the heat does not provide pain relief. Place an ice pack on the painful TMJ joint to minimize the inflammation. However, do not apply the ice directly n the skin or hold it for over 15 minutes. Wrap the ice on a dry towel or cloth. You can also use a pack of frozen peas or vegetables when you do not have an ice pack.

Pain Medications

Some over-the-counter medications can help you get pain relief. Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and naproxen can help relieve TMJ pain. Ensure you take the medications strictly according to the label or as directed by the pharmacist. You can also contact your doctor when the pain is severe for prescription painkillers. Your doctor will get to the underlying cause of your pain to determine the right medications for you. Follow your doctor’s advice correctly.

Reach out to the Choice Pain & Rehabilitation Center LLC for help if you are experiencing TMJ pain. Make a call or use the online tool to schedule your appointment. The baseline of TMJ pain treatment is lifestyle changes.