Managing TMJ Jaw pain: The Do's and Don'ts

Suffering from Temporomandibular Joint or TMJ disorder is painful. This occurs when the temporomandibular joint (which connects the jaw and temporal bones) is inhibited due to problems with the jaw or facial muscles. We understand just how difficult it can be to manage your pain. Aside from having a Doral TMJ treatment or a Coral Gables TMJ treatment, it’s important to know some do’s and don’ts so that you can be aware of how to alleviate the pain.

If you’re a TMJ patient, then symptoms such as pain and tenderness in the face and difficulty opening your mouth are common. Other common symptoms are:

• Unexplained swelling around the jawline
• Ongoing pain in the neck, head, or jaw
• Impaired use – also known as limited mobility – of the jaw
• Occasional locking sensation of the jaw joint
• Audible clicking sounds coming from the jaw joint
• New and unexplained tooth sensitivity

To help TMJ patients, we came up with some Do’s and Don’ts that could save you from the tremendous pain that you will encounter.

DO’s:

Think about your posture:

Nowadays, many of us spend time stooped over typing on our computer or constantly peering at our phones. Keep your posture in mind and be conscious of your neck and shoulders. Additionally, reevaluate your sleeping position. Is it comfortable? Are you sleeping awkwardly? These may seem like minor changes to make, but implementing them into your everyday routine can help you manage TMJ in Doral.

Consider the food you eat:

Overly crunchy foods such as corn on the cob, raw carrots, crackers, and almonds can cause jaw pain for hours or even days. When you prepare your meals, consider eating softer foods such as steamed vegetables, yogurt, oatmeal, eggs, soft fruit, and soup. Putting thought into your meals before you consume them can certainly prevent you from experiencing superfluous pain.

DON’Ts:

Chew on your hard objects:

When you chew on hard or stiff things like your nails, pencils, pens, or ice, it forces you to thrust your jaw forward, which typically increases TMJ pain that is difficult to relieve.

Clench your jaw during the day:

Bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching) is quite common for a lot of people. Especially in times of stress, this habit might be formed subconsciously. The problem is, not only does it cause premature wear and tear of your teeth but it also easily intensifies your TMJ pain. Throughout the day, check your resting jaw position, your teeth should be slightly parted, your lips and your tongue should be relaxed in your mouth. Certain factors can trigger teeth clenching and grinding, if you have a difficult time managing stress, that should be a concern for a stress specialist or a psychiatrist.

If everything has been done and you still experience extreme pain, then it’s time to get a Doral TMJ treatment or a Coral Gables TMJ treatment. Seek help from the best Doral General dentistry or a Gables General dentistry. 

Dr. Sonia Olivares focuses on different teeth and dental problems anywhere in Doral and Gables. She also specializes in smile makeover focusing on achieving highly aesthetic and natural-looking smiles. Her dental office also offers flexible payment options.  She offers an online consultation or you can call the numbers below:

iSmile Doral:  305-620-8272

iSmile Coral Gables: 305-396-1026