Mouth pain is a significant disruption in your everyday life. Some of the worst pain can be caused by straining or discomfort in your temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This joint connects your jawbone to your skull and is used each time you talk, chew, and swallow. Consulting a dentist is a vital step in finding a solution to your TMJ pain, but there are steps you can take to manage your discomfort and avoid causing further damage.

Do:

Examine your eating habits.

If you notice intensified pain after eating foods with a hard or crunchy texture, try replacing these with softer foods cut into small pieces that are easy to chew. It is also best to avoid particularly chewy foods like doughy bread, tender meat or beef jerky, and particularly malleable candies like taffy or caramel.

Try jaw exercises.

Performing strengthening exercises between TMJ flare-ups can lessen your pain in the long run. Try simply placing your thumb beneath your chin and pushing your chin downward against it. Pushing your thumb upward with conservative force, open your mouth and hold for 5–10 seconds. Your dentist can suggest other easy exercises like this that can alleviate jaw pain.

Practice self-care.

Practicing proper posture, managing daily stress and anxiety, and finding a supportive sleeping position can make a big difference in your TMJ pain. Try to keep your shoulders back throughout the day, take time to meditate, and sleep on your back.

Don’t:

Clench your jaw.

Jaw clenching will worsen TMJ discomfort and can even cause additional headaches and ear pain. Keep your jaw relaxed by positioning your lips together, teeth slightly apart, and tongue rested in your mouth. If you clench your jaw while you sleep, talk to your dentist about getting a mouthguard to help realign your jaw, prevent clenching, and inhibit teeth grinding.

Needlessly chew.

Chewing is a nervous habit for many people, but avoiding biting on gum, your fingernails, and pen caps can alleviate the stress being put on your jaw.

Ignore your symptoms.

Teeth grinding, dizziness, and head and neck pain are all symptoms of TMJ irritation. If you’re experiencing these issues and have frequent jaw pain, consult your dentist as soon as possible. Diagnosing TMJ pain early and finding an effective treatment option is the best way to alleviate any short- or long-term effects of TMJ discomfort.

 

For a long-term solution to TMJ pain, make an appointment with Dr. Robert N. Petrtyl, DDS. Based in Cincinnati, OH, they offer general, family, and cosmetic dentistry services to patients throughout Blue Ash, Wyoming, Reading, Cincinnati, Mason, Finneytown, Mount Healthy, and Winton Hills. From mouthguard fitting and teeth cleaning to root canals and oral surgery, the experienced team in Dr. Petrtyl’s office will ensure each patient is given a safe and comfortable experience. To schedule an appointment, call (513) 554-4657, or visit them online for a closer look at their comprehensive dentistry services.