If you suffer from the jaw pain, stiffness, and headaches or migraines associated with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, you’re probably wondering how to get relief. Although things like over the counter pain relievers can help, many patients prefer a more natural solution. Essential oils have been found to provide temporary relief from TMJ disorder symptoms. Here’s a closer look at a few to try, and how working with your dentist may finally get you the lasting results you deserve!
What is a TMJ Disorder?
The temporomandibular joint is the joint that connects the jawbone to the skull. It is what allows you to open and close your mouth when speaking, chewing, and laughing. Naturally, it is subject to a lot of wear and tear, and in most cases can withstand a lot of use. Unfortunately, however due to things like genetics or injury, it can become strained or misaligned, causing pain and stiffness.
When this occurs, it can be difficult for you to open and close your mouth, and you may suffer from a variety of painful symptoms including:
- Migraine headaches
- Ringing ears (tinnitus)
- Jaw stiffness
- Pain when opening and closing the mouth
- A clicking or popping sound when opening and closing the mouth
- Neck and back pain
Which Essential Oils Can Help Relieve TMJ Disorder Symptoms?
Treating TMJ disorder on your own can be complicated, because not every home remedy works for every patient. While some can get temporary relief from warm compresses, others must rely on over-the-counter pain relievers. For those searching for a more natural way to alleviate symptoms, some patients have found that treatment with essential oils can help. Here are a few common varieties to try:
- Lavender oil: Lavender oil is famous for its calming properties, making it ideal for reducing stress and muscle tension. For best results, add a few drops to your favorite carrier oil (a natural vegetable-based oil used to dilute essential oils so they can be used on the skin without causing irritation) and massage it gently into your jawline and temples before heading to bed.
- Peppermint oil: Peppermint oil has a unique cooling effect that can soothe jaw inflammation and pain. Massage it into the jaw area with a carrier oil for best results.
- Eucalyptus oil: Eucalyptus oil can help reduce inflammation in swollen joints and muscles. You can either massage it into the jawline with a carrier or even inhale it.
- Frankincense oil: This oil has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce pain when massaged into the jaw with a carrier.
How Using Essential Oils in Conjunction with Dental Treatment Can Relieve TMJ Disorder Pain
While solutions like essential oils can temporarily relieve temporomandibular joint pain, the best way to permanently alleviate it is with treatment from your dentist. Typically, this consists of a combination of oral appliance therapy, and in some cases, BOTOX injections for immediate comfort. Oral appliances are custom fit to your individual mouth and gently reposition the jaw, so it’s properly aligned. This frequently eliminates the pain and pressure in the present, and with time it may also help to permanently realign it, so the problem does not return.
Remember, while essential oils cannot cure a temporomandibular joint disorder, they can help alleviate stress and inflammation that may make symptoms worse while you’re undergoing treatment from your dentist.
About Our Practice
At Exceptional Dentistry Pain & Sleep Solutions, our caring and talented dental team wants to help you get the relief you deserve to live your healthiest, happiest life. If you suffer from temporomandibular joint disorder and its associated jaw pain and stiffness, we are proud to offer a variety of solutions to provide lasting comfort. To schedule a consultation for TMJ disorder treatment, visit our website or call us today at 301-460-3331.