How to Prevent TMJ

There are two temporomanidibular joints in front of each ear that connect the lower jaw to the skull. These joints allow all the mobility needed for biting, chewing and talking, making it one of the most used joints in all of the human body. Many people suffer with some type of TMJ dysfunction. There is little research about preventing TMJ, but following are tips for treating the symptoms of TMJ.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Reduce stress. Stress has been known to cause pain in the TMJ joint, possibly as a result of the pressure caused by clinching your teeth.
2. Wear a mouth guard when sleeping to prevent grinding of your teeth. This grinding motion has been shown to cause additional stress on the joint resulting in pain and possible inflammation.
3. Practice self-care if you experience pain in the joint. Pain and discomfort can be minimized by eating soft foods.
4. Apply cold or heated compresses when the TMJ joint feels agitated.
5. Avoiding gum chewing. This motion only increases the sliding movement that the TMJ joint goes through.
6. Take a prescribed medication. A health-care provider that has diagnosed TMJ may recommend a non-steroidal medication, a muscle relaxer or injections in more severe cases.
7. Take supplements that include Omega-3 and Omega-6 which can decrease inflammation.

Tips & Warnings

• Cortisone injections may be administered by a health-care professional when there is severe pain in the TMJ area.
• Surgery may be a recommendation when all other preventative and treatment measures have been taken.
• Avoid caffeine and foods that are high in saturated fat as these can increase inflammation.