Maximizing Your Comfort Levels When Living with a TMJ Disorder



If you suffer from a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, there are a few ways to maximize your comfort levels at home. TMJ disorder can cause pain and discomfort in the jaw, neck, and face due to misalignment of the jaw joint or tightness in the muscles that control jaw movement. These tips can help you manage your symptoms and live comfortably with TMJ disorder.

1. Use Heat or Ice Therapy: Applying heat or ice to the affected area can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain associated with TMJ disorder. Heat therapy increases blood flow to the area which helps relax tense muscles while cold therapy numbs the affected area reducing pain. Try alternating between hot and cold packs for 10 minutes at a time for best results.

2. Wear an Oral Splint: An oral splint is an appliance worn over your teeth that helps realign your jaw joints, reduce muscle tension, and relieve pressure on your temporomandibular joint (TMJ). It should fit snugly over your teeth so it doesn’t move around when you talk or chew food but still allows you to open and close your mouth properly without causing any discomfort. Ask your dentist about getting fitted for an oral splint if it would be beneficial for you.

3. Practice Relaxation Techniques: Stress can worsen symptoms of TMJ disorder so it’s important to practice relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, etc., on a regular basis in order to reduce stress levels throughout the day.

4. Avoid Chewing Gum: Chewing gum causes unnecessary strain on the jaw muscles which can aggravate symptoms of TMJ disorder so try to avoid chewing gum as much as possible if you suffer from this condition

5 .Eat Soft Foods: Eating soft foods like oatmeal, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs etc., instead of hard foods like apples or carrots is recommended when living with a TMJ disorder as hard foods put more strain on the jaw joints which could result in further discomfort and pain

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. TMJ disorder, heat therapy, cold therapy, oral splint, relaxation techniques, chewing gum, soft foods,

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