Living with TMJ pain can make everyday activities like eating and talking uncomfortable or even painful. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jawbone to your skull, and when it’s not working properly, it can cause ongoing discomfort. 

Many people struggle with this condition, but the good news is that treatment options can provide relief.

Call 978-288-1946 for an appointment at Martins Dental Partners

What Causes TMJ Problems?

TMJ disorders happen for several reasons including jaw injury, grinding or clenching teeth, arthritis, stress, and poor bite alignment. When your TMJ isn’t working right, you might notice pain or tenderness in your jaw, aching pain around your ear, difficulty while chewing, facial pain, clicking sounds when opening your mouth. Your jaws may get “stuck” in open or closed positions, too.

Treatment Options for TMJ Relief

Finding the right treatment approach is important, since every person’s TMJ pain is different. Most people start with the least invasive options first, and many find that simple changes provide significant relief.

At-Home Care

Many people find relief with simple at-home treatments:

  • Apply ice packs to reduce swelling
  • Take over-the-counter pain relievers
  • Eat soft foods
  • Avoid extreme jaw movements like wide yawning
  • Practice relaxation techniques to lower stress

Professional Treatments

When at-home care isn’t enough, dental professionals offer several options:

  • Custom-made mouthguards or splints that help prevent teeth grinding
  • Physical therapy exercises to strengthen jaw muscles
  • Medications including stronger pain relievers or muscle relaxants
  • Corrective dental treatments to fix bite problems
  • Injections to reduce pain and inflammation
  • Ultrasound therapy
  • TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation)
  • In rare cases, surgical procedures

When to Seek Help

If you’ve been dealing with TMJ pain for more than a few weeks, or if the pain interferes with eating or speaking, it’s time to talk with a dental professional. Early treatment often leads to better outcomes and can prevent the condition from getting worse.

At Martins Dental Partners, we understand how TMJ pain can affect your quality of life. Our team offers personalized care plans designed to address your specific symptoms and provide lasting relief. Located in Beverly, MA, our office provides treatment options to help you smile, eat, and speak comfortably again.

Take the first step toward living without TMJ pain.

Call 978-288-1946 or contact us online to schedule an appointment at Martins Dental Partners.