If you notice yourself clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth, open your mouth slightly to stop creating excess pressure. If you wake up with pain in your jaw or teeth, then you may grind your teeth at night. Talk to your doctor about getting a mouth guard that you can wear while you sleep. You can also buy a mouth guard over-the-counter, which can be shaped to your mouth.
Repeat the massaging motions with your mouth open and closed to help relax all of your jawline muscles. [4] X Research source You can also use a clean finger to massage the inside of your mouth with the same techniques if you feel muscle tightness in that area.
TMJ doesn’t require any special dosage for NSAIDs. Just take them as directed on the medicine package or as otherwise directed by your doctor.
If you can’t find the powdered version of these minerals, you can take capsule supplements. The powdered minerals are more readily absorbed by the body, though. Always talk to your doctor before you start a new supplement. They can help you check for any potential drug interactions or other risks and side effects based on your personal medical history.
If you grind your teeth while you sleep, many pharmacies and drug stores sell mouthguards meant specifically for night time wear. Check these out, as they may be more comfortable for your sleeping hours.
Sometimes, you might not even notice that you’ve started to bite or chew. Ask a friend or coworker to let you know if they see you biting or chewing nervously.
Excessively chewy foods like soft caramels can make jaw popping worse, too. Try to avoid overly chewy foods. [10] X Research source
Try to take just 5 minutes a day to meditate. Sit in a comfortable position, close your eyes, and try to clear your mind. If you’re new to the practice, you may want to look up a guided meditation online to help take you through the process. [13] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source If you find a certain situation at school or work is particularly stressful, excuse yourself for a moment. Walk into a calm area, and take a few deep breaths before going back in. Taking a quick walk during your lunch break or once you get home for the day can be a great way to relieve daily stress.
Acupuncture is an alternative medicine practice wherein very thin, hair-like needles are inserted into specific points on the body to help relieve pain, stress, or tension. It is usually recommended in conjunction with more traditional physical therapy practices.
Try searching online for a specialist near you. You can also ask your dentist to recommend you to a therapist in your area. You can also call your insurance provider to see if they can recommend a practitioner in your area that is covered by your medical or wellness plan.
Arthrocentesis. This is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a series of small needles to irrigate fluid into the joint and flush out any debris and inflammatory byproducts. Open-joint surgery. In this procedure, an oral surgeon opens up your jaw to repair your joint. This procedure involves more risk than other surgical options, so it should be carefully discussed with your dentist. TMJ arthroscopy. This procedure works like open-joint surgery to repair your joint, but uses an arthroscope and small surgical tools to work on the jaw. It’s a less invasive and less risky than open-joint surgery.
