Jaw pain can consume your life. Even worse is when that pain stems from something you don’t have control over. Sufferers of chronic teeth grinding, clenching, or TMJ disorders find their jaws moving when they sleep or are otherwise occupied, stressing the jaw joint and causing greater discomfort. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to minimize the pain and find relief. We’ll walk you through steps you can take at home, and when it may be time to seek professional treatment.
Causes of Jaw Pain
Jaw pain can stem from any number of sources. It’s most commonly caused by an overworked jaw. When you grind or clench your teeth at night, your jaw joint spends too much time deep in activity. Without rest, your jaw will become fatigued and sore. Pain stemming from the jaw joint can affect other areas of your face as well.
A malfunctioning TMJ can also cause jaw discomfort. It’s possible for the joint to become damaged, or for a disc to slip. In this case, you will need to visit our Oakland office for professional TMJ treatment.
TMJ Treatment for Jaw Pain
Depending on the severity of your jaw pain and the cause, you may be able to find relief with some home steps.
- Lower your stress levels. This is, above all else, the best way to relax your jaw. We hold a great deal of stress in our jaws, and that stress can lead to grinding and clenching. You may even be holding your jaw too tightly at this very moment, all without realizing it. By engaging in meditative exercises and relaxation techniques, especially before going to sleep at night, you’ll relax yourself and your jaw muscles.
- Facial massage. Find the small groove directly in front of each of your ears. This is where your TMJ, your temporomandibular joint, is located. Gently massaging the joint can soothe muscles and bring relief.
Should your pain be severe, get in touch with our Oakland staff right away. We will determine whether a mouth guard, TMJ splint, or another form of treatment could solve the problem.