Jaw pain is a debilitating condition that affects the jaw, causing pain on all or some parts of the jaw. If you experience jaw pain, sleeping, eating, and having fun with your day-to-day activities might be difficult.
There are lots of different causes of jaw pain, including temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, bruxism, infections, injuries to the facial bones, muscles or ligaments, misaligned teeth, arthritis, pregnancy, or might be caused in consequence of an underlying medical condition.
Regardless of the cause, it’s necessary to hunt treatment for jaw pain immediately so it doesn’t grow to be more serious.
Listed here are some health suggestions for managing your jaw pain:
1. Take over-the-counter pain medication
You’ll be able to take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) to assist manage the pain.
Some medications, akin to aspirin and other NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), also help with the pain. In case your symptoms are severe, talk over with your doctor about getting a prescription for more vital medication.
You’ll be able to check out this home formula in case you can’t get medication. Place an ice pack or cold compress across the painful area of your face for 20 minutes at a time, thrice a day (or as needed), when experiencing the pain.
Make sure not to use ice on to your skin — wrap it in a skinny towel before applying.
2. Stop grinding or clenching your teeth
That is one of the vital common causes of TMJ disorders and tooth wear. To stop grinding or clenching at night, try wearing a mouth guard or bite splint at night and throughout the day whenever you feel stress build up in your mouth.
3. Maintain good oral hygiene
Maintain good oral hygiene to scale back bacteria in your mouth and around your teeth. This might be achieved by brushing and flossing repeatedly.
Brush your teeth no less than twice day by day using an ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste for no less than two minutes.
Brushing stimulates saliva production, which helps maintain oral health by washing away bacteria that cause cavities and periodontal (gum) disease.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush gently and thoroughly twice day by day for no less than two minutes every time to remove plaque from all surfaces of the teeth and gums. Floss once day by day to remove food particles from between teeth.
4. Steer clear of tobacco products
Avoid tobacco products, which cause dry mouth, increase bacteria growth, and worsen symptoms of TMD and other oral health problems akin to periodontal disease.
5. Eat balanced food regimen
Eat a balanced food regimen that features loads of vegetables and fruit, whole grains, lean protein sources, healthy fats akin to nuts and fish oils, low-fat dairy products (low-fat milk or yogurt), and foods wealthy in vitamin C (citrus fruits), vitamin A (sweet potatoes), zinc (oysters) and calcium (low-fat milk or yogurt).
These vitamins and nutrients from the food assist in keeping the jaw healthy. Calcium helps strengthen the jaw, and Vitamin C helps fight off infections.
6. Eat soft food
Eat soft food, that are foods which might be easy to chew and swallow, may help reduce discomfort in your mouth and jaw.
Avoid crunchy foods like popcorn or pretzels, which irritate your teeth and gums.
7. Sleep well
Be certain that you could have a great night’s sleep. Consider taking over-the-counter sleep aids if you could have trouble sleeping due to jaw pain.
Sleep deprivation increases stress levels, which may exacerbate jaw pain.
8. Stay hydrated
All of the joints and muscles of the body need sufficient hydration to operate properly and maintain lubrication.
When an individual doesn’t drink enough water, pain and inflammation of the joints and muscles, including the temporomandibular joint, can occur.
Subsequently, one of the vital vital ways to avoid a TMJ symptom pain is to remain hydrated. Drinking water steadily day by day will keep your body hydrated and can help to calm down the muscles in your jaw, neck and shoulders.
9. Visit your dentist repeatedly
Visit your dentist repeatedly for cleansing appointments every six months or as really useful by your dentist.
A general dentist will help patients who’ve been diagnosed with temporomandibular joint disorder.
They understand how the jaw functions and may offer patients who’re affected by jaw pain various kinds of treatment options.
10. Seek the advice of an orthodontist
See an orthodontist in case you think that misaligned teeth could be causing your jaw discomfort.
An orthodontist can correct any issues with crooked teeth through the use of braces or other orthodontic devices, akin to retainers, to maintain them in place after treatment is complete
Conclusion
Jaw pain might be very frustrating and painful. Make sure you persist with the above health suggestions in managing jaw pain when experiencing one. Talk over with your doctor as soon because the symptoms get significant and strictly adhere to their medical instructions.
