Tips for Easing the Symptoms of TMD MANAGEYOUR JAW PAIN
•
Relax the jaw by consciously unclenching and taking deep breaths.
It’s a strange feeling for anyone who’s experienced it: waking up to find that your jaw is extremely sore, maybe even to the point where you can’t fully open or close your mouth. Sufferers report various degrees of discomfort, but anyone who knows how it feels agrees that temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain hurts. When it becomes chronic, it is referred to as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). There are still no definitive answers as to what causes TMJ, though doctors believe stress, anxiety, bruxism (an unconscious grinding of the teeth), and joint imbalances may all contribute. Most cases last a few weeks, but if you suffer from TMJ for longer than that, you should consult your dentist or physician. If you’re waking up with jaw pain, there are a few things you can do to manage the symptoms at home. Here are some suggestions from the Temporomandibular Joint Association (TMJA) and the Mayo Clinic: • Apply a moist heat compress to the jaw to reduce pain and increase function. • Apply an ice pack to ease the pain and reduce inflammation (wrap it with a thin cloth to keep it from touching the skin). • Try sleeping on your side.
•
Eat soft foods.
Some medical professionals prescribe an oral splint to stabilize the jaw and reduce pain. But in one recent clinical trial at the Tokyo Medical and Dental University, they found that therapeutic jaw exercises helped patients recover faster from TMD symptoms than splints. A physical therapist can show you similar exercises that will reduce your TMJ pain. The effectiveness of surgical treatments to address TMJ disorders is still unclear, so talk to your dentist or medical provider to see what kinds of less invasive treatments are available. While there is such a thing as a TMJ specialist, there are many treatments that come from varying schools of thought and are not always based on scientific evidence. Working with your general dentist may be just as effective for you. Some patients have found relief through the TruDenta treatment program, which combines massage therapy, cold laser therapy, microcurrents, and ultrasound to treat the symptoms of TMD. Others have found acupuncture and other forms of alternative medicine to be effective. Given all the options, the first step to address your jaw pain is to educate yourself so you can make the TMJ treatment decision that is right for you.
Asparagus & Avocado Soup
Happy Birthday!
March
Bethany & Dr. Hodges
Inspired by CookEatPaleo.com
Ingredients
• 1 avocado, peeled, pitted, and cubed • Juice of 1/2 lemon • 1 tablespoon ghee or coconut oil • Salt and pepper, to taste
• 12 ounces asparagus • 1 tablespoon olive oil • 2 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped • 2 cups chicken stock
Directions
1. Heat oven to 425 F.
2. On a large rimmed baking sheet, toss asparagus and garlic with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 10 minutes.
3. Transfer asparagus to blender. Add remaining ingredients and puree until smooth.
4. Season to taste and serve.
(336) 342-0889 • 3
Providing quality dental care for you and your family
Made with FlippingBook HTML5