The side effects of TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder) can be a constant issue. They may impact how you eat, speak, and more, which is why it’s important to explore pain relief options. With proper at-home care and the assistance of a dentist, you’ll find it’s much easier to manage TMJ flare-ups and, in some cases, eliminate them. Here’s a closer look at the most common methods.

Ways to Manage TMJ Side Effects

1. Massage

TMJ inflammation affects the chewing muscles, which is why much of the discomfort comes from eating hard foods or grinding your teeth. Self-massage can be extremely effective on sore muscles.

Try kneading the jaw muscles in a circular motion with your fingers, or apply steady pressure on the muscles below your jaw. You can also stretch the muscles and ligaments where the mandible and upper jaw plate meet. To ensure you don’t cause injury yourself or accidentally worsen inflammation, ask your dentist for a demonstration.

2. Ice

The inflammation and swelling that accompany TMJ pain can make it difficult to eat or even move your jaw. The best way to combat these is with ice. Wrap an ice pack in a clean cloth and gently press it against swollen areas. Cold helps numb pain and promotes blood flow to the site to repair tissue damage. Only use ice for 10-15 minutes at a time. Going beyond this can create more problems and discomfort.

3. BOTOX®

If at-home remedies aren’t working, ask your dentist about BOTOX for TMJ treatment. These injections, which are best known for anti-aging treatments, help relax the overacting muscles around the jaw. Once stabilized, they’ll cause less inflammation, irritation, and other problems. While it isn’t a long-term solution, the effects of BOTOX can have a profound effect on TMJ management.

Whether you’re dealing with TMJ or need a teeth cleaning, a dentist at Elberta Dental can assist. Serving Elberta, AL, this general and cosmetic dentistry practice offers a variety of treatments. Explore TMJ care, periodontal disease treatment, and cosmetic solutions on their website. To schedule an exam, call (251) 986-3500 today.