Home Remedies for Alleviating TMJ Headaches and Facial Pain
TMJ facial pain and headaches impact about 10% to 15% of Americans, impacting their quality of life and making daily tasks more difficult. The pain, discomfort, and tenderness can affect jaw joints, the face, neck, ears, shoulders, and upper back. Many TMD sufferers experience trouble sleeping, eating, and other activities that make day-to-day living more difficult and stressful. Taking NSAIDs and other traditional pain-killers long-term can cause serious, adverse side effects. We recommend trying these home remedies for effective relief that won’t negatively impact your overall wellness. Bechtel Dentistry is happy to share our holistic approach for finding comfort and relief from TMJ headaches and facial pain.
Bad Habits to Break for Relieving TMJ Headaches and Facial Pain
- Using your teeth to open things: Rather than using your teeth to open things, use tools or scissors. Your teeth should never be used when opening things since it only puts undesirable stress on your TMJs which will make the headaches and pain worse. Keeping a little tool on your keychain or in your purse or wallet can offer you a better alternative.
- Teeth grinding: If stress and anxiety are causing you to grind your teeth, it is imperative to find effective stress management techniques. Teeth grinding is terrible for your TMJs, making it important to speak with us if you’re aware of this bad habit. Dr. Bechtel and our team can create a custom-fit oral appliance or nightguard for protecting against this.
- Nail biting: The unnatural movement of nail biting is detrimental to TMJ pain. We recommend avoiding this habit along with chewing on ice, pens, and other non-food items. Gum chewing should also be avoided by TMD patients in recovery.
Home Remedies for Minimizing TMJ Facial Pain and Headaches
From jaw exercises to proper sleep position, there are home remedies that you can try that are effective in minimizing TMJ facial pain and headaches. Bechtel Dentistry can give you visual demonstrations on jaw exercises and stretches you can complete at home or at work. We’re happy to give you guidance on proper sleep positions, soft food diet for TMD recovery, travel tips, and all the support you need. We can also recommend natural pain relief alternatives that won’t impact your overall wellness.
Schedule Your TMJ/TMD Appointment
Bechtel Dentistry is honored to extend our TMJ/TMD expertise for patients in Lansing, Holt, Okemos, Mason, Grand Ledge, Dewitt, Haslett, Williamston, St. Johns, Charlotte, Eaton Rapids, East Lansing, and Potterville. Contact our office today at 517-882-7132 to schedule your holistic dental service and start your journey to better wellness. We strive to provide the highest level of care with our incredible holistic approach for the comprehensive treatment you need. We’re looking forward to working with you!
