18 Jul How Holistic Dentistry Addresses TMJ Disorders and Jaw Pain
Do you suffer from jaw pain? Have you been diagnosed with a TMJ disorder, or TMD? We know how painful this inflammatory condition can be, and how it affects your ability to do normal things like talk or chew. Fortunately, there are many natural remedies that can help you manage your TMD symptoms and relieve jaw pain. Here’s how holistic dentistry approaches treatment for TMJ disorders.
The Holistic Approach to Treating TMD
TMJ disorders can be triggered by a wide range of factors that includes everything from arthritis to stress. Medications, sleep apnea, poor posture, injuries, teeth grinding, and dental conditions like a misaligned bite can also cause jaw pain.
Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)
Because most people do it unconsciously, dentists are often the first to notice signs of bruxism. Habitual teeth grinding can wear down your tooth enamel, and even cause tooth fractures. Wearing a mouthguard at night will help cushion your jaw and keep it in a relaxed position while you sleep. It will also prevent sleep bruxism, which is common with TMJ disorders.
Bite Issues
Sometimes a misaligned bite can cause jaw pain and bruxism. If your teeth are out of alignment, you might subconsciously clench your jaw to try to make your bite more comfortable. Treatments like Invisalign can correct many bite issues. In fact, straightening your teeth with clear aligners may relieve your TMD symptoms entirely.
Natural Remedies for Jaw Pain
If your symptoms are not caused by dental issues, there are many other ways to relieve jaw pain and stiffness. Typically, TMD is treated with over-the-counter pain medications. However, many people experience unwanted side effects when they take NSAIDS every day. If you’re looking for holistic treatments because you don’t want to rely entirely on pain relievers, try these natural remedies for jaw pain.
Physical Therapy and Massage
Holistic techniques like massage, physical therapy, and acupuncture can all help relieve symptoms of TMD. Applying hot and cold compresses is a great way to relieve jaw pain at home. So will massaging your neck and jaw—look for a massage oil with ingredients like lavender that promote relaxation.
Stress Management
Did you know that one of the most common side effects of stress is jaw clenching teeth grind? This habit causes jaw pain as well as bruxism. Relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, and sound therapy can all help you manage your stress levels and relax your jaw.
Adjusting Your Diet
Avoid any foods that put too much strain on your jaw—very hard and crunchy foods, or sticky things like dried fruit. You should also avoid anything that you have to chew for a long time, like beef jerky or chewing gum. Cut food into small bites so you don’t strain your jaw by opening too wide.
Try to include more anti-inflammatory foods, like turmeric and ginger in your diet. For example, try drinking a relaxing mug of warm golden milk before bedtime. Drinking herbal tea can also reduce stress and help you relax. Many types of herbal tea promote relaxation, including chamomile, lavender, and valerian.
Do you have a caffeine habit? Excessive consumption of caffeine can cause sleep bruxism. Reducing your caffeine intake—especially later in the day—will help prevent teeth grinding at night.
Holistic Dentistry in Prescott, Arizona
If you suffer from jaw pain, let your dentist know! TMD from dental disorders can be treated, and you won’t have to suffer any more. At Prescott Dentistry, we can fit you with a custom mouthguard to prevent bruxism or get you started on Invisalign treatments to correct a misaligned bite. We can also advise you on the best holistic treatments for managing your condition. If you’re looking for a dentist that takes your entire wellbeing into consideration, make an appointment at Prescott Dentistry today.
Photo by Christin Hume on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 7/10/2024.