How to Get Relief From Jaw Pain, TMJ

The jaw joint is the MOST used joint in the human body. We chew, talk and swallow, using this joint never gets a rest. At least 90% of the American population who suffer from jaw pain are women. This problem is affected by the temporomandibular disorder. The pain can cause ear, eye, neck and shoulders to hurt. It can also cause dizziness. Here are some remedies to try if you suffer from this problem.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. 
   Can be terrible pain.

   Women suffer the most from this disorder because of hormonal changes. The pain is a result of swollen tissues around the jaw. Menstration brings about hormonal changes. Omaga 3's from fatty fish boost the body's production of anti-inflammatory lipids. Taking 1,000 mg daily has shown some improvement from jaw pain.

2. 
   Working with the pain.

   Warm to hot showers can increase blood flow. Taking a shower at night before bed will not only relax your mind and body but also relax the muscles around the jaw that will aid in healing.

3. 

   Strengthening the jaw muscles is your next best defense against jaw pain. Exercising the muscles around the jaws can help keep these muscles from cramping. With your left hand place your palm on the corner of your left chin and press while resisting with your jaw. Do this three or four times. Then switch and do the right side.
   My dentist told me to do this exercise in the morning and at night before bedtime.

4. 
   Avoid over chewing.

   The most difficult thing to do is avoid all foods that are chewy, hard-to-eat, tough and require a great deal of stress on your jaw. When you are in pain eat only soft foods while doing the steps above.

5. 
   A dentist made night guard.

   Use a night guard. Often during the night you could be grinding and clenching your teeth. With todays stresses it would not be surprising if we weren't all clenching our teeth at night. There are many different kinds of night guards over the counter. It best to read on the back of the box how to "fashion" it to fit your mouth. My husband using one that he bought at Target. My mouth is small and I never had any luck with the over the counter kind so I had my dentist make mine and insurance cover some of the cost. Either way see what works best for you.