Will TMJ Go Away on Its Own?

What is TMJ

The joint that connects your jaw and skull is called the temporomandibular joint. There's one on each side, and it acts as a sliding hinge. It allows you to move your jaw when you talk and eat.

If you have damage to your temporomandibular joint, it's called a TMJ disorder or a TMD. Often TMJ and TMD are used interchangeably. If you have TMD, you'll likely experience pain or discomfort, and it can be chronic or acute. 

Signs and Symptoms 

There are a few signs and a few symptoms you need to be on the lookout for. Your symptoms can range and may not be the same as someone else's. Pain can range from mild to severe.

If your jaw starts locking up and it becomes difficult to open and close your mouth, it's likely due to TMJ. You may also experience a lot of pain around your ear and facial pain. Any tenderness around your jaw is also an indicator of TMJ.

At-Home TMJ Treatment

There are several treatments that you can do at home that can help with pain in your jaw. The first thing you should do is alternate between cold and warm compresses.

Use an icepack on your jaw for about 10 minutes for mild pain. The switch to a warm, damp washcloth. Doing this several times a day can help relieve some of the pain temporarily. 

It's recommended that you don't chew gum. If you're constantly chewing it can put a lot of stress on your jaw, and it doesn't always allow the joint to rest and heal. 

Eating soft foods can also help. You don't want to force your jaw to do more work than it has to. Be sure to cook your vegetables, and fish and eggs are other great options. 

You might be surprised to learn that a mouthguard can be helpful. They can help correct your bite and move your jaw to a more favorable position. A splint is another option; however, you'll need to talk to your dentist in Burke, VA to discuss which is the best option. 

Over-the-counter medication can also help relieve some pain, but it shouldn't be used all the time. Aspirin and Ibuprofen are great if your pain is minor. 

If you have a lot of pain, your dentist can prescribe some muscle relaxants. This will help give your jaw a break. If you're constantly clenching, it will never get better.

Movements To Avoid

There are several things that you may do daily that are making your TMJ pain worse, and you might not even realize it. Holding your phone between your shoulder and jaw can put a lot of strain on your joints. 

Do your best to release your jaw. During a busy day or during a stressful time, you may not even notice that your jaw is clenched. One way to help is to keep your tongue on the roof of your mouth and your teeth slightly apart. 

When you're sitting at your desk, don't put your chin in your hands. This also puts a lot of pressure on your jaw.

Professional Treatment

It's not likely that TMJ will go away on its own. Many of the above solutions are temporary fixes or ways to relieve pain for a short amount of time. However, if your pain isn't constant or extreme, then you may not need professional treatment. 

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) can be performed by a local dentist to help relax your jaw and other facial muscles. The treatment uses electrical currents to reduce your pain. 

Tigger point injections are another TMJ treatment option. An anesthetic or medication is injected into the muscle to help relieve the pain. 

Another way to reduce your pain is by getting Botox injections. They can help reduce inflammation and muscle mass.

TMJ Surgery

Once you've tried all the above methods, it may be time for surgery. It's crucial to take the time to try everything else before having surgery. Talking to a TMJ dentist will also help you create the best treatment plan. 

There are several different types of TMJ surgery that you can have depending on your pain levels. One only requires local anesthesia, while another requires general anesthesia. Healing times vary, so keep that in mind if you and your dentist decide that's the best route for you.

Alternative TMJ Treatments 

If you aren't quite ready for surgery, you can try acupuncture and relaxation techniques. Often stress can cause your TMJ to become worse, so if you can find a way to relax and decrease your stress, you'll likely see a big difference in your pain levels.

TMJ Treatment

Living with constant pain isn't a great way to go through life. It can be frustrating, and you don't want to miss out on opportunities because of TMJ pain. There are many ways you can reduce and manage your pain; unfortunately, it won't go away on its own. 

If you've been experiencing a lot of pain in your jaw and tried to get rid of it, but can't, contact a dentist in Burke, VA. We know how painful TMJ can be, and we want to help. We will walk you through treatment options and help you get back to pain-free living.