The extreme discomfort of temporomandibular joint dysfunction can truly take over your life. From the inability to open your mouth, speak, or chew to the debilitating pain in the jaw, neck, back, and head, it can be hard to focus on anything but the pain.
Neuromuscular dentistry aims to correct these debilitating aches and align your temporomandibular joint perfectly with the jaw. But treatment can take a while when it’s done right. So, what can you do in the interim to ease the pain of temporomandibular joint dysfunction? Here are some tips that may help.
Easing the Pain of Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a vital joint that connects your jawbone (mandible) to your skull. It’s located on each side of your head, just in front of your ears. The TMJ is a unique joint in the body because it is a combination of a hinge joint and a sliding joint, allowing for both rotational and translational movements. This complexity is necessary to facilitate the wide range of motions required for proper jaw function.
Neuromuscular dentistry is a specialized field that aims to correct a misaligned bite and realign the temporomandibular joint of the jaw. This treatment plan can take several years to complete, but it’s worth investing time and money in because it fixes the root problem and doesn’t just mask it. My team and I create a thorough neuromuscular treatment plan to help you be free of pain.
In the meantime, these are just a few complementary methods you can use to relax and reduce the pain of temporomandibular joint dysfunction.
Massage
Jaw massages can provide short-term relief and long-term benefits by targeting the muscles and tissues in the area, reducing tension and stiffness. Plus, the act of massaging itself can have a calming effect and promote relaxation.
Physical Therapy
Much like massage therapy, physical therapy works in tandem with neuromuscular dentistry to help relax the muscles of the jaw and strengthen them so they’re more comfortable during neuromuscular dentistry treatment.
Changing Diet
A proper diet is essential to help your jaw recuperate from temporomandibular joint dysfunction. By eliminating chewy or crunchy foods from your diet, you put less strain on the temporomandibular joint, preventing the pain of excessive wear on your joints and muscles. Giving up the foods you love can be disappointing, but remember: with neuromuscular dental treatment, you’ll someday be able to enjoy the foods you love once again.