The 7 Best Products to Get Relief From TMJ Pain

For people with frequent or chronic TMJ pain, it can be difficult to find relief from this particularly persistent facial discomfort. It’s a Painful and Misunderstood Condition affects 5% (and possibly up to 12%) of individuals, including young people, which makes it rare in the world of chronic pain. The lack of available resources, information, and treatments can be incredibly frustrating for people who have TMJ, leaving many people struggling to find quick solutions to manage their pain.

Dr. Richard M. Lipari, a dentist at Lipari and Mangiamelli Dentistry in Chappaqua, New York, explained that the term is an acronym for the temporomandibular joint, which connects the jawbone to the skull. When you hear someone say they “have TMJ,” they technically mean they have a TMJ disorder or are experiencing TMJ discomfort.

There are a few different common causes of TMJ disorders, including anxiety and stress. Lipari told HuffPost that most cases are the result of acute injury, improper bite or “bruxism,” which is the technical term for teeth grinding and clenching.

“The combination of any of these causes usually results in more symptoms,” he said. These symptoms may include, but are not limited to, “jaw pain, headache, clicking and/or popping of the TMJ, locking of the jaw, ear pain, toothache, grinding of your teeth.” A change in the way and, potentially, difficulty opening your mouth.”

Aside from people who have had an accident or injured this specific joint, Lipari found that the people most at risk for TMJ pain are people with major anxiety. He added, “Bruxism… has been found to be closely associated with people who are under extreme stress.”

She adds that there are a variety of treatments and lifestyle changes that can relieve symptoms associated with a TMJ disorder, including procedures that can be done in a doctor’s office, such as getting an orthodontic device such as Invisalign or Botox. : “Botox injections are a great way to reduce the amount of stress placed on the TMJ, resulting in patients feeling more comfortable.”

Home treatments include using hot and cold compresses, wearing a night guard while sleeping, eating bland foods, and massaging the muscles around the joint. “Having your dentist custom-fit nightguards for you is usually the number one thing you can do to get consistent relief,” Lipari said.

When it comes to TMJ, Lipari stresses that “managing associated symptoms to a point where patients are comfortable on a daily basis is important.” There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to treatment, so talk with your doctor and dentist about your options. In the meantime, there are some home remedies that may help ease the discomfort associated with TMJ pain. Keep reading and pick one for yourself.