TMJ / Occlusion

Think you have TMJ? Try this at home!

Bet you never thought a dentist would tell you to try a treatment at home! But here’s the thing, none of the home treatments for TMJ pose any dangers to people without TMJ.

Wait. Back up. What the heck is TMJ?

TMJ is a disorder of the jaw that comes with many uncomfortable and irritating problems including headaches, earaches, neck pain, jaw popping, and more. Take this quiz over at the ADA’s consumer website to find out if you might have TMJ!

Now, really. Try this at home.

Alternate hot and cold compresses over your jaw joint. This can relieve pain and increase mobility.

Be mindful of your jaw. Don’t close your bite all the way when you’re watching TV, driving, or working.

Avoid stress! The benefits of this one are myriad, of course, but a lot of folks with TMJ find that stress exacerbates the symptoms.

Don’t chew gum. Chewing gum requires constant jaw motion, and this motion might make your TMJ symptoms worse!

Avoid large, crunchy, and tough foods. Cut your apples into bite-sized pieces, and avoid foods that require a lot of chewing or a stretched jaw to eat.

If your symptoms don’t improve, give Dr. Shirley E. Cagle a call. She might be able to help.