1. It Hurts When I Chew
Chewing gum all the time will set up your jaw muscles for problems. The constant chewing motion tightens those jaw muscles and causes pain when you stop, like when you are going to sleep. Gentle massage of the jaw can help to relieve that pain. You can do this yourself by locating the area of discomfort and rubbing in small circular motions. Direct pressure held on the tender area can relieve some of the pain as well. Make sure you also stop chewing gum.
2. Stress Rears its Ugly Head
Many people tighten their jaws when stressed, causing tightness around the jaw. When it is done on a regular basis, there will be consequences. The pain, or TMJ, that comes after a particularly stressful day will linger and eventually will affect all the nerves attached to the jaw, creating pain in the shoulders and neck. Stretch your jaw during the day by opening your mouth as wide as you can and holding for 10 seconds, release and repeat a couple times to ease the tension. Stretch your neck as well. Lift your head and hold, lower it and consciously relax the muscles in your jaw and neck.
3. Bite Right
A misalignment of your teeth could be the underlying cause of your jaw pain. See a neuromuscular dentist to have this condition treated. This kind of dentist is trained to look at the symmetry of the mouth and look for the relationships between the bite and the jaw and neck. The dentist can remove teeth that are causing the problem and reshape others to make a better fit. Sometimes bridges and braces are employed to set the correct spaces in your mouth.
4. Back to the Grind
Bad dreams and nerves often cause people to grind their teeth in their sleep. While going to sleep with a clear conscience can help relieve some of the stress of a poor night's sleep, it is often difficult to control. Wear a device that holds your mouth in place during sleep. These devices come in a variety of styles and materials and can be inserted easily. Your dentist can custom-make a night guard that fits your mouth comfortably.
5. Stick it out for Pain Relief
Many people who do not have a dental disorder or other physical problems, such as a tumor or broken jaw which require surgery, have found relief from jaw pain at the hands of an acupuncturist. Talk to the practitioner so she can discover your source of tension. During acupuncture, small, thin needles are inserted over the areas that the acupuncturist believes are blocking the flow of blood to your jaw. They may insert the needles in your neck or face. The needles are painless.
