Professional treatment is usually the only option for fixing TMJ problems, but in some situations, there are steps you can take at home to alleviate joint soreness and overuse.
If you’re experiencing TMJ pain at home, you can take an anti-inflammatory pain reliever such as ibuprofen to minimize soreness and inflammation of your muscles. Next, take care to avoid hard, crunchy, or chewy foods (including gum) that require heavy biting pressure. You may want to stick to a soft diet for a few days until symptoms subside.
During flare-ups, apply a warm compress to the side of your TMJ for up to 20 minutes at a time. Pay attention to circumstances related to your jaw pain to find triggers such as stress or bruxism.
If your symptoms don’t improve or keep coming back, be sure to speak to our Calgary dentist about a possible bite splint or mouthguard.