TMJ is a very painful condition, but it’s actually quite common and very treatable. Your dentist may check for jaw pain, or listen for clicks or pops as you move your jaw. This helps diagnose your TMJ. The dentist may also check that your jaw locks up, and you may have your bite examined to be sure your jaw is aligned properly.

If you’re found to have TMJ, don’t panic! There are a few ways you can treat this disorder at home. Of course, if none of these suggestions work for you in the long term, there are also procedures you can get to relieve this tension.

Switch to Softer Foods

One of the reasons your TMJ acts up is because we tend to overuse our jaw without thinking about it. Do you chew gum or eat toffee? If so, you may be making the problem of your TMJ worse. Softer foods reduce the need for a lot of repetitive chewing, which reduces the strain on your jaw muscles.

Wear a Mouth Guard

One of the side effects of TMJ is teeth grinding, which can occur at night while you sleep. If you wear a mouth guard, it can help to cut down on the damage done to your teeth. You will still suffer from TMJ, but you will not suffer from the headaches and jaw pain that can accompany late night teeth grinding.

Learn to Let Stress Go

Stress is a contributing factor in TMJ, so you have to learn how to let it go. Worry only about the big stuff, and try and take up something relaxing like meditation to ease the mind. Don’t forget to end your day with a relaxing compress session, putting warm moist cloth on your face to relax the jawline.

Article submitted by Dr. Sid Solomon. For 30 years, Dr. Sid Solomon has helped patients through painful TMJ and TMD symptoms towards recovery.