If you’ve been experiencing mysterious jaw and facial pain, you could be afflicted by TMJ/TMD. TMJ/TMD refers to disorders of the temporomandibular joint, which is a small, complex joint that connects your jaw to your skull, and is located just underneath your ear.
If this joint becomes damaged or inflamed, you may start to experience serious pain, as well as other symptoms like headaches. TMJ/TMD pain can be debilitating and is often difficult to diagnose because patients don’t realize that the symptoms are caused by a small joint in their jaw.
The team at Living Oaks Dental wants our patients to be informed about common symptoms of TMJ/TMD, along with treatments and some at-home exercises to help you get ahead of TMJ/TMD:
The Symptoms Of TMJ/TMD
TMJ/TMD symptoms can vary quite a bit based on the cause of your condition. To understand your case of TMD, the best thing to do is to schedule a consultation for a diagnosis with Dr. Brabston. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, call today to schedule your appointment:
- Pain and tenderness of the jaw, particularly when chewing or opening your mouth wide
- Discomfort and pain underneath your ear, where the temporomandibular joint is located
- Aching, radiating facial pain
- Severe headaches
- “Locking” of the joint, making it hard to open and close the mouth fully
- Grinding or popping noises when opening or moving the jaw
At-Home TMJ/TMD Treatments
Along with your treatment at Living Oaks Dental, Dr. Brabston also typically recommends the following to help relieve symptoms of TMJ/TMD:
- Anti-inflammatory medicines – Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and naproxen can help relieve minor pain and inflammation in cases of TMJ/TMD.
- Rest and change of habits – TMJ/TMD can develop due to jaw overuse. If you chew a lot of gum or otherwise overuse your jaw muscles, you may simply need to rest, and avoid overusing your jaw.
- Cold and warm packs – Ice and heat packs can help relieve inflammation and promote healing in the temporomandibular joint.
- Stress reduction – Clenching and teeth grinding is a big contributor to TMJ/TMD. If you grind or clench your teeth, try to reduce stress and be more aware of when you’re clenching.
Exercises To Help With TMJ/TMD
Some cases of TMJ/TMD can benefit from basic exercises that help strengthen the temporomandibular joint and aid in TMJ/TMD treatment:
- Jaw relaxation – Simply rest your tongue on the top of your mouth, then relax your jaw muscles and let your teeth come apart, until you start to feel tension in the jaw muscles. Repeat up to 10x.
- Chin tuck – Pull your chin back toward your neck, creating a “double chin.” You’ll feel light tension in your temporomandibular joint. Hold for 3 seconds, repeat 10x.
- Resisted opening – Put your thumb under your chin. Gently lower your jaw and open your mouth slowly, while pressing against your chin with your thumb to provide resistance. Hold for 3-6 seconds, and close your mouth slowly. Repeat up to 10x.
Get Help For TMJ/TMD – Come To Living Oaks Dental
If you’re suffering from TMJ or TMD, at-home exercises and remedies may not be enough for relief. If you are experiencing serious pain, and have been for several days or more, we recommend you come into Living Oaks Dental right away.
Dr. Brabston has been treating TMJ and TMD for over 40 years. He can examine your mouth and jaw, and help you understand what clinical treatments will help improve your condition. Get relief from pain and discomfort by scheduling your appointment now at (251) 928-1645, or coming into our office in person at 506 N Section St, Fairhope, AL 36532.
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