TMJ, or temporomandibular joint dysfunction, is a medical condition that can cause pain in your jaw joint and muscles that control jaw movement. It’s often due to injury, inflammation, or even stress resulting in teeth clenching and grinding. The pain may be temporary or last for many years, and it can affect one or both sides of your jaw. It may limit your ability to open your mouth fully, impact speech, create difficulty in chewing, or even cause a persistent dull ache around your ear.
In severe cases, TMJ can lead to headaches, throbbing jaw pain, and ringing in the ears known as tinnitus. Daily routine can be disrupted with TMJ making eating, talking or even sleeping uncomfortable.
Read more as we’ll talk about how to cure TMJ permanently and relieve yourself of this dental disorder for good in today’s article.
Common Symptoms of TMJ
TMJ manifests in several common symptoms:
1. Pain Or Tenderness
This is often experienced in the jawbone or directly in front of the ear, escalating while chewing, yawning, or speaking.
2. Joint Locking
This symptom makes opening or closing the mouth difficult.
3. Sounds
Grinding or clicking sounds in the jaw joint may be heard when opening or closing the mouth.
4. Facial Pain
This could extend to the neck and shoulders.
5. Headaches
These are similar to migraines and occur mostly in the morning.
6. Swelling
This happens on the side of the face, causing physical changes in appearance.
Effective Ways To Cure TMJ Permanently
Here are some effective ways to cure TMJ permanently:
1. Physical Therapy
Various exercises can help stretch and strengthen jaw muscles, improving mobility and leading to long term relief.
2. Stress Management Techniques
Stress management techniques such as yoga or meditation might help as stress can often exacerbate TMJ symptoms.
3. Over-The-Counter Medication
Non-prescription pain relief medicines and anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen can reduce inflammation and help reduce pain.
4. Mouthguards
Dentist-Prescribed Mouthguards or oral splints and even custom-made splints can prvent grinding your teeth and relax your jaw, reducing demand on the TMJ.
5. Avoiding Extreme Jaw Movements
Avoiding extreme jaw movements, such as wide yawning, loud singing, and gum chewing can prevent exacerbation of symptoms.
6. Surgery
Surgical procedures, though considered last resorts, can yield resounding resolution. This can include arthrocentesis, a minimally invasive procedure that removes debris and inflammatory byproducts from the joint, or more invasive open-joint surgeries for very severe cases. A well-contemplated and consistent treatment plan, managed and implemented under the guidance of healthcare professionals, can lead to the permanent cure of TMJ.
Can Botox Injections Help In Treating TMJ?
Botox injections can potentially be a useful tool in treating temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, which affect the joint and muscles controlling the jaw. TMJ disorders can cause symptoms like jaw pain, difficulty chewing, and joint locking. Botox works by relaxing the muscles, and when injected into the facial muscles afflicted with soreness and discomfort, it can provide significant relief. It has shown to be especially effective in cases where TMJ disorders cause intense clenching of the jaw or bruxism.
However, Botox treatment for TMJ disorders is still considered off-label usage by the FDA, and further research is necessary to confirm its safety and efficacy. It’s always important to discuss the potential risks and benefits with your healthcare provider before choosing this treatment option.
How To Cure TMJ Permanently Through Alternative Remedies
In addition to traditional treatments prescribed by healthcare professionals, there are a number of alternative remedies that patients might consider for relief from TMJ discomfort. Some popular alternative remedies include practicing stress management techniques such as deep breathing, yoga, and meditation which can help to relax the muscles around the jaw. Physical therapy and exercises targeting jaw muscles may also bring relief. Natural supplements like magnesium, which aids muscle relaxation, have been found helpful.
Additionally, a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, cold compress, acupuncture and chiropractic treatment could potentially alleviate some of the TMJ pain and discomfort associated with TMJ disorders. However, it’s recommended to consult a health care professional before starting any new remedy.
When Should You See A Dentist For TMJ?
It’s advisable to see a dentist if you’re experiencing persistent pain or tenderness around your jaw, difficulty or discomfort while chewing, aching facial pain, or if you’re unable to open or close your mouth completely.
A dentist or maxillofacial specialist can diagnose your condition accurately, suggest appropriate treatments and exercises, and help manage your TMJ pain effectively. Hence, do not delay seeking professional help if you suspect having TMJ. We recommend you to visit Waukesha’s trusted clinic, Vista Family Dentistry for effective TMJ treatment. Please check out their website today for more information.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the above-mentioned remedies for TMJ offer significant relief if diligently followed. They can help alleviate the discomfort and improve your quality of life by mitigating the effects of this disorder. In fact, a consistent approach to managing symptoms like jaw pain, cracking or popping sounds, or difficulties in moving the jaw, can lead to long-term benefits.
However, if duly observed remedies don’t lessen the symptoms, or if the symptoms persist or get worse, it is imperatively required to seek immediate professional help. Only a dentist or a capable healthcare professional can accurately diagnose the condition and provide effective treatment. Don’t underestimate the potential severity of TMJ. Choose to act responsibly for your health.