6 Lifestyle Changes for Getting Rid of TMJ Pain

If you live with TMJ pain, it can take over nearly every area of your life. The good news is that making some lifestyle changes can have a huge effect on TMJ disorder. In some cases, you might benefit from a conservative treatment option provided by Dr. Francisco Marcano at Sarasota Center for General Dentistry.

1. Understanding the Basics of TMJ Disorders

Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jawbone to your skull, just at the front of your ears. When your TMJ is misaligned or irritated, you may have TMJ disorder. This condition can cause several different complications, including:

• Jaw pain or tenderness
• Headaches or migraines
• Sounds in the jaw, such as clicking and/or popping
• Chewing may be difficult
• Pain when yawning
• Jaw stiffness
• Jaw locks in an open or closed position

2. Identify Possible Causes of Your TMJ Pain

TMJ pain can begin suddenly after an accident, or you may notice it the first time when biting down on a hard snack. But there’s not always a clear cause. In some cases, symptoms can seem to appear out of nowhere. Chewing gum too much can cause TMJ pain, as can jaw clenching when you feel stressed. 

3. Explore Conservative Treatment Options

Ideally, Dr. Marcano likes his patients to explore non-invasive treatment options for TMJ pain. He and his team can discuss splints or custom dental orthotics with you at Sarasota Center for General Dentistry. Both of these can help by repositioning your jaw to reduce muscle strain. 

4. Practice Jaw Relaxation Techniques

If you’re feeling stressed, consciously relaxing your jaw can help reduce your tension. Place the tip of your tongue behind your upper front teeth to do this. Then, let your jaw gently open, keeping your tongue in place. 

Another technique is opening and closing your mouth slowly while keeping your jaw aligned and relaxed. 

5. Diet Monitoring and Adjustments

The foods you eat can impact your TMJ symptoms. For example, crunchy and chewy foods put added pressure on your jaw. Also, tough foods like lean meat and bagels make your jaw work harder than it has to. Dr. Marcano will discuss this and other recommendations on your consult appointment.

6. Home Remedies and Tips for Self-Care

Having a nice list of home remedies can help you give yourself some relief.

• For TMJ headache pain relief, the use of over-the-counter anti-inflammatories may help alleviate some of the symptoms
• Massage your jaw muscles gently in circular motions 
• Apply a warm compress to the side of your face
• Try life-style changes like the ones discussed earlier
• Avoid repetitive motions like chewing gum
• Jaw relaxation techniques, like those outlined before,  can help with your discomfort/pain

Seek Professional Guidance About Getting Rid of TMJ Pain in Sarasota, FL

If you’re looking for help with your TMJ pain, it may be time to be proactive and contact Dr. Francisco Marcano at Sarasota Center for General Dentistry. Ignoring your early symptoms can make things worse, so visit our office at 7315 Merchant Ct # B, Sarasota, FL 34240 today, or call (941) 900-3555 to set up an appointment. 

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