TMJ stands for the temporomandibular joint, which connects your skull and your jawbone. In some people, this joint becomes very painful and can be accompanied by other symptoms like headaches, clicking sounds, and earaches. If you suffer from TMJ symptoms, it’s likely that you want some relief. A dentist will be able to help you with diagnosis and treatment, but here are some suggestions of remedies you can try at home first to see if they help.

Avoid jaw overuse
Try not to use your jaw too much. Of course it’s impossible to rest it completely because you need to eat and speak, but avoid hard foods that require intense chewing and biting. This can help relax your jaw muscles and prevent the disease from getting worse.

Take over-the-counter medications
Over-the-counter medicines like ibuprofen and acetaminophen can help alleviate your pain. Ibuprofen is also beneficial in reducing any swelling that might occur in your jaw joint.

Reduce stress
TMJ is worsened by high levels of stress. Enrolling in stress management classes or listening to tapes that are made to ease stress are good ways to control your anxieties. Another suggestion is performing stretching exercises for your neck and shoulders, which can help eliminate tension in your upper body.

Maintain good posture
Focus on keeping good posture, which can lessen the irritation of your neck muscles. Remember to stand tall and to sit up straight, and take breaks to move around during long stretches of sitting.

See a doctor
If your TMJ symptoms don’t improve after trying these tips, schedule an appointment with dentist. You will be evaluated so that the dentist can propose the most appropriate treatment options for you. Sometimes medications like muscle relaxants and prescription pain relievers are helpful. Another possible treatment is a mouth guard if the dentist determines that you are grinding your teeth, which is a common trigger for TMJ. Physical therapy is another treatment, and in more severe cases surgery is recommended.