Will TMJ Resolve on Its Own?

Will TMJ Resolve on Its Own?

Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jaw to your skull on either side of your face. You use these two joints every time you open your mouth, and when they hurt, you take notice. 

TMJ disorders affect up to 10 million Americans and cause symptoms like joint pain, face pain, and restricted jaw mobility. Suffering from a TMJ disorder can make chewing and talking painful, but it’s not always easy to know if your symptoms warrant a trip to your doctor.

Walied Touni, DDS, MSD, specializes in TMJ care at Touni Orthodontics in Sunnyvale, California, and he’s here to answer your questions. If you’re suffering from jaw pain, here’s what to do about it.

TMJ treatments to try at home

Most of the time, TMJ pain is temporary and goes away on its own with time. Dr. Touni typically starts by recommending at-home treatments to relieve your jaw tenderness and pain.

These treatments may include:

Rest your jaw by eating soft foods and avoiding unnecessary chewing and talking. Ice/heat therapy and over-the-counter medications can help relieve pain and swelling, while a mouth guard can take the stress off your jaw.

With these measures, you can expect your pain to subside within a few days.

When to see your doctor for TMJ pain

At-home remedies can effectively relieve temporary jaw pain, but they’re not always enough for more serious TMJ disorders. You should talk to your dentist about advanced treatment options if:

You have persistent jaw pain

Acute TMJ pain should get better after a few days of rest and at-home care. If your jaw pain lasts longer than about a week or keeps coming back, it could be a sign of an underlying condition. 

You can’t open or close your mouth completely

TMJ disorders can limit your joint mobility and make it impossible to fully open or close your mouth. Sometimes, TMJ disorders can make your jaw lock. If you have a locked jaw, you’re unable to open or close your mouth freely. 

You clench or grind your teeth

Bruxism is the medical term for unconsciously clenching, grinding, or gnashing your teeth. It’s a common problem, and it often leads to TMJ pain. Untreated bruxism can cause chronic pain and damage your teeth over time.

In these cases, Dr. Touni examines your mouth, asks questions about your symptoms, and reviews your medical history. Depending on your diagnosis, he may prescribe medication for jaw tension and pain, order a custom mouth guard, or recommend advanced treatment like corticosteroid injections or surgery to treat your condition.

When TMJ pain doesn’t go away on its own, you’re not out of options. Visit Dr. Touni and our team to get answers and find relief from your discomfort. Call Touni Orthodontics at 408-338-0109 or request an appointment online today.

You Might Also Enjoy...

Why Does My Jaw Pop When I Chew?

Why Does My Jaw Pop When I Chew?

A popping or clicking jaw is more than just an annoyance — it could be a sign of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. Learn the tell-tale signs and find out how treatment can make chewing and talking comfortable again.
Do Impacted Teeth Require Surgery?

Do Impacted Teeth Require Surgery?

Impacted teeth can not only cause pain but also put your oral health at risk. While surgery isn't always necessary, it may be the most effective treatment to keep your smile healthy.
What’s the Best Way to Treat an Overbite?

What’s the Best Way to Treat an Overbite?

Overbites are one of the most common issues orthodontists address. Fortunately, you don’t have to live with alignment problems. There are safe, effective approaches to correct your overbite.
Can Impacted Teeth Cause Crooked Teeth?

Can Impacted Teeth Cause Crooked Teeth?

An impacted tooth is trapped under your gum line — but even though it’s not always visible, it can have a very noticeable effect on your smile. Find out why impacted teeth can make your other teeth crooked and how treatment can help.
What Is the Best Age for Clear Aligners?

What Is the Best Age for Clear Aligners?

Clear aligners are a popular alternative to traditional metal braces. They straighten teeth discreetly — but what’s the right age to start treatment? Learn the benefits and drawbacks of clear aligners for children, teens, and adults.