Jaw pain is a health problem that’s often underestimated and which can affect anyone. The condition can be brought on by a number of factors, including toothache, infections, sinus problems, gum disease, teeth grinding, arthritis and injury. From tenderness and discomfort whilst eating, to agony stretching from the chin to the ears, a pain in the jaw can have a significant impact on your day and should be suitably treated.
Many people also suffer from temporomandibular joint pain, or TMJ. This takes the form of soreness specifically in the jaw joint, which is made up of muscles, tendons and bones, and is brought on by injury to any of these structures. Symptoms of TMJ include sore jaw muscles, ear pain, headaches, pain in the cheeks or temples, jaw clicking or popping, difficulty opening one’s mouth, and/or locking of the jaw.
We’ve put together this list of tips to alleviate the problem, allowing you to once again enjoy eating, talking, and singing in the shower.
In the event of jaw pain
- Speak to your Doctor or Pharmacist about taking over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen, or applying pain relieving gels that contain active ingredients such as Benzocaine to the affected area. This is a short-term treatment and should not be applied longer than stated by your Consultant.
- Apply heat to the jaw as this will increase blood flow to the affected area, which helps the muscles to relax. Place a warm, damp cloth onto your jaw and keep it there until the cloth is no longer warm. Repeat if required.
- If your jaw has started to swell or is significantly swollen, apply cold packs to help numb the pain and reduce swelling. Apply some oil to the area or wrap the cold pack in a damp towel to protect the skin.
- The grinding of teeth and clenching of the jaw can harm joints and muscles, so be aware of your actions and refrain from causing further damage.
In the event of TMJ
- Contact a qualified consultant in order to receive a professional opinion. If TMJ dysfunction is diagnosed early on, the home remedies below can help to relieve symptoms.
- Eat soft foods and avoid chewing gum to take significant pressure away from the mouth, helping your jaw to recover.
- Unnecessary pressure is a major cause of TMJ pain, so refrain from clenching your jaw and grinding your teeth.
- By applying warmth to your jaw twice a day for 20mins, or gently massaging the cheeks and temples, you can help your muscles to relax and the pain to subside.
- If your TMJ pain is the result of an injury, ice packs can be applied to the area to reduce swelling. Apply some oil to the area or wrap the cold pack in a damp towel to protect the skin.
Contact us for more tips on how to safely and effectively reduce jaw pain. A trained physiotherapist will run an expert assessment and create a tailored approach specifically for you.
