If you suffer from the jaw pain, stiffness, and body aches associated with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, you have likely found yourself wondering what you can do to get relief. Although things like over the counter pain relievers can help, many patients prefer a more natural solution. In conjunction with treatment from your dentist, 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, but in some cases whether due to genetics or injury, it can become strained or misaligned, causing pain and stiffness. When this occurs, it can be difficult for the patient to open and close their mouth, and they may suffer from a variety of painful symptoms including:
- Migraine headaches
- Neck and back pain
- Ringing ears (tinnitus)
- Jaw stiffness
- Pain when opening and closing the mouth
- A clicking or popping sound when opening and closing the mouth
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 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 Can a Dentist Treat TMJ Disorder?
While solutions like essential oils can temporarily relieve temporomandibular joint pain, the permanent solution is treatment from your dentist. Typically, this consists of a combination of oral appliance therapy, and in some cases, BOTOX injections for enhanced comfort. Oral appliances are custom fit to your individual mouth and gently reposition the jaw, so it’s properly aligned. This not only alleviates the pain and pressure in the present, but with time it helps 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. For lasting relief for TMJ pain, schedule an appointment with your dentist today and learn more about how TMJ therapy can finally help you get the permanent, lasting results you need!
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.