Reviewed By Dr. Tyler N Davis, DMD
Reading Time: 4 minutes
In our previous blog, we discussed what can cause jaw pain, from teeth grinding to temporomandibular disorder (TMD).
In this blog, we will focus on how to relieve jaw pain at home. Jaw pain can be exhausting and affect daily activities such as speaking, chewing, and even sleeping, so it is important to find ways to alleviate the discomfort and pain.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
aw pain can be caused by various factors such as teeth grinding, temporomandibular disorder (TMD), stress, chewy foods, and poor posture. Home remedies like relaxation techniques, moist heat, gentle massage, ice packs, and dietary adjustments can help alleviate discomfort, but professional help is recommended for severe or persistent pain.
Understanding the Source of Your Jaw Pain
Jaw pain can be caused by a variety of factors, all of which can lead to muscle tension, inflammation, and discomfort. Here are some common culprits:
- Clenching or grinding your teeth: This unconscious habit puts a strain on your jaw muscles and joints.
- Temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD): This joint disorder can cause pain, clicking sounds, and difficulty moving your jaw.
- Stress: When stressed, we often tense up our facial muscles, including those in the jaw.
- Chewy foods: Gummy candies, chewing gum, tough steaks, and chewy bagels can overwork your jaw muscles.
- Poor posture: Slouching or working on a computer with no rest can put undue stress on your neck and jaw muscles.
Home Remedies for Jaw Pain Relief
Now that we know the potential causes of jaw pain, let’s explore some home remedies to help relieve the discomfort.
De-stress your jaw
- Relaxation techniques: Deep breathing and meditation can help ease muscle tension and promote overall relaxation. Yoga has been helpful for many people, as well.
- Moist heat: Apply a warm, damp washcloth to your jaw for 15-20 minutes at a time. This can improve blood flow and reduce stiffness. This is very effective when done before bedtime.
- Gentle massage: Use your fingertips to gently massage your jaw muscles in a circular motion.
Reduce the inflammation
- Ice therapy: Wrap an ice pack in a thin cloth and apply it to your jaw for 10-15 minutes at a time. Repeat a few times a day, especially if you have swelling.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers: Pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain and inflammation.
Practice jaw exercises
Engage in gentle jaw exercises that can improve jaw movement and blood flow, reducing the stiffness in the jaw muscles. Here’s a simple routine:
- Double chin exercise: Slowly pull your chin down, creating a double chin, then return to the starting position. Repeat 10 times.
- Jaw stretch: Place your tongue on the roof of your mouth and slowly open your jaw. Hold for a few seconds and close your mouth. Do this 10 times.
- Side-to-side stretching: Gently move your jaw side to side, feeling a slight stretch in your jaw muscles. Don’t force the movement beyond a comfortable range. Hold for a few seconds on each side. Perform 10 repetitions on each side.
Dietary Adjustments
- Embrace soft foods: Opt for soft, easily chewed foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, bananas, and steamed vegetables to minimize stress on your jaw.
- Say no to chewy culprits: Avoid very chewy foods like gum, tough meats, and chewy candy until your jaw pain subsides.
Physical Therapy
A physical therapist can teach you specific exercises to strengthen jaw muscles and enhance jaw movement. They may also use manual therapy techniques to relieve tension in the facial and neck muscles.
When to Seek Professional Help
If your jaw pain is severe, persists for more than a few days, or is accompanied by symptoms like ear pain, facial pain, or difficulty opening your mouth, it’s important to seek professional medical advice.
A dentist, maxillofacial surgeon, or physical therapist can diagnose the cause of your pain and recommend appropriate treatment options, which may include:
- Muscle relaxants: A doctor may prescribe muscle relaxants to help ease muscle tension.
- Nightguard (Occlusal guard): Wearing a nightguard can prevent teeth grinding and clenching while you sleep. It must be HARD, not soft or rubbery.
- Physical therapy: A physical therapist can teach you specific exercises and techniques to improve jaw function and reduce pain.
Power Road Dental Care – Your Partners in Oral Health
Jaw pain can significantly impact your quality of life, but there are steps you can take at home to alleviate discomfort and promote overall oral health.
At Power Road Dental Care, we offer comprehensive dental care services to help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.
If you experience severe pain in your jaw or it persists for a long time, visit us for a consultation. Our dedicated team of professionals will diagnose the cause of your pain and provide personalized treatment options to help you find relief.
If you are searching for “dentist near me” or “dentist in “dentist mesa az” we can help! Call (480) 664-1438 or complete the online booking form.
FAQ
Why is my jaw hurting on one side?
Jaw pain on one side can be caused by dental issues like cavities or gum disease, or even muscle strain from chewing on one side more than the other.
Why does my jaw hurt by my ear?
Pain in the jaw near the ear can often be associated with TMJ disorders. Other possible causes include ear infections, arthritis, or dental issues such as impacted wisdom teeth.
Can jaw pain fix itself?
In some cases, mild jaw pain may resolve on its own, particularly if it’s related to temporary factors like minor muscle strain or stress. However, if the pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms like swelling or difficulty opening or closing, or moving your jaw, it is important to seek professional medical advice to diagnose and address the underlying cause properly.