Jaw pain mostly occurs as a result of a disorder in the temporomandibular joint, commonly known as jaw joint. This is one of the most complex joint structures in the body. It is this joint that makes it possible for you to talk, chew foods, laugh, swallow, yarn, and to move your jaw from side to side. Temporomandibular joint disorders can happen due to various factors, such as an injury or blow to the jaw, arthritis, muscle fatigue, fibromyalgia, sleep problems, and chronic fatigue syndrome. In addition to TMJ disorders, it can also be caused by dental problems, ear infections, trigeminal neuralgia, myofascial pain syndrome, and migraine.
Most kinds of jaw pain can be treated naturally using home remedies. Some lifestyle changes have been found to be highly effective to minimize or get rid of the pain in your jaw. Actually, one of the best ways to deal with the symptoms of jaw pain is to reduce the use of jaw muscles. Individuals with jaw pain are advised to eat soft foods, take bite-sized portions, and eat slowly. They can eat foods like mashed potato, eggs, cottage cheese, ground meat, juice and vegetable juices, soups, soft yogurt, banana, milk, and well-cooked vegetables, whole grains, and beans.
People who suffer from jaw pain should also avoid chewing gum, yawning with the mouth widely opened, and eating foods like sticky foods, raw vegetables, fruits, dried fruits, and seeds. It is also better to stay away from caffeinated beverages, as caffeine can make you more sensitive to pain. If your jaw pain is related to teeth grinding, wear a mouth guard while sleeping. Increasing the intake of vitamin C and vitamin E can help reduce the jaw pain associated with temporomandibular disorders. Massage is one of the home remedies. Softly massage the jaw bones on both sides of your face with two fingers.
Heat and cold therapies are considered as excellent home remedies for jaw pain. It is recommended to alternate heat and cold to speed up the pain-relieving process. Apply cold on both sides of the jaw for at least ten minutes. You can use frozen vegetables or ice cubes covered in cheesecloth as cold compress. Apply heat therapy for about 20 minutes. Steep a towel in warm water, squeeze it out, and then place it over your jaw. Heat therapy is beneficial to improve blood circulation to the jaw and to unwind the jaw muscles. A hot water bottle wrapped in a towel can also be used to apply heat.
Stretching exercises are also good home remedies for this pain. Open your mouth until you feel your cheek muscles stretching. Keep your mouth in that position for about 30 seconds. Then, slowly close your mouth. Repeat this exercise for three to five repetitions. Gargling with warm salt water is another effective natural remedy for jaw pain. It reduces the pain by relaxing jaw muscles and nerves. Taking a warm bath is also a great way to alleviate the pain in jaw.
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