- 1). Don't overuse your jaw. Avoid hard foods.
- 2). Try over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications. Some TMJ sufferers find ibuprofen especially effective.
- 3). Take a stress management course or listen to relaxation tapes. TMJ is sometimes caused by and always aggravated by stress.
- 4). Practice stretching exercises designed especially for the shoulders and neck. This will help reduce some of the tension in your upper body.
- 5). Stand tall. Good posture helps your jaw to sit properly.
- 6). Avoid spending hours over the computer. Holding your neck stiff aggravates TMJ.
- 7). Take muscle relaxants if jaw pain persists. Your doctor can write you a prescription for pain relievers.
- 8). Wear a mouth guard. Many sufferers of TMJ grind their teeth at night. Grinding puts stress on the jaw joints and muscles. A mouth guard prevents night grinding.
- 9). Ask your dentist about an intra-oral orthotic. This is a temporary mouth splint that helps reposition the jaw, thus alleviating joint stress and pressure.
- 10
Consider jaw surgery if all other treatments fail.
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