Due to the unpredictable nature of TMD, it may not be possible to effectively treat your symptoms at home. When TMD isn’t properly diagnosed and addressed, it can worsen over time, or disappear for a while only to flare up again later on. This is why it’s so important to seek professional treatment for TMD. If you want to help control your symptoms until you can see a TMJ doctor, dentists usually recommend the following:
Eat softer foods or stick to a liquid diet until the pain is gone
Avoid large jaw movements such as yawning, yelling, and taking big bites
Avoid chewing gum and biting your nails
Use heat and cold packs on your jaw
Practice relaxation techniques
Sleep on your back or your side
Avoid resting your hand on your jaw
Practice good posture
Ask a doctor about TMJ pain relief medications such as NSAIDs