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BASIC SELF HELP FOR ALLEVIATION OF TMJ DISCOMFORT

BASIC SELF HELP FOR TMJ PAIN

 There are many causes of Temporomandibular joint dysfunction, and treatment for this disorder will vary with each individual.  Here are some ideas to help relieve your discomfort until you can see Dr. Polan.

1. DO NOT CHEW GUM
2. APPLY COLD PACKS:   apply a cold pack to each side of your face for 10 minutes (wrap in towel to protect skin).  Reapply after 20-30 minutes.
3. EAT A SOFT DIET:  Stick to soft foods such as yogurt, mashed potato, cottage cheese, scrambled eggs and soup.  The idea is to rest your jaw as much as possible.  Don’t eat hard crunchy foods like raw carrots, pretzels or really chewy foods.
4. AVOID OPENING YOUR MOUTH TOO WIDE:  Try to keep your moth movements small when you yawn.  Do not order the overstuffed sandwich or the double cheeseburger.  You will be more comfortable if you avoid extreme jaw movement.
5. HOLD THE PHONE:  hold the phone in your hand, not between your shoulder and your ear.
6. DON’T REST YOUR CHIN:  do you find yourself resting your chin on your hand?  Time to stop.  Check your pillow position at night; find a comfy position that does not place pressure on your face or jaw.
7. LIPS TOGETHER, TEETH APART:  practice keeping your teeth slightly apart to help avoid unconscious clenching or grinding of your teeth during the day.
8. TRY OVER THE COUNTER MEDICATIONS:  non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, etc) can be purchased at your local store.  Follow dosing directions carefully and remember to always have food in your stomach before you take these medications (see #3 above) because they can injure your stomach lining.