At Gentle Dental Care in Edison, New Jersey, our experienced dentists help patients manage stress-related TMJ discomfort with pain-relieving treatments.
How Stress Worsens TMJ Symptoms
When you’re stressed, your body often reacts by tensing up. For many people, this includes clenching the jaw or grinding teeth, even without realizing it. It can happen during the day or while you sleep.Â
Over time, these habits put extra pressure on the temporomandibular joint, which connects your jaw to your skull. Common symptoms could include pain, muscle tightness, and limited jaw movement.Â
Stress can also increase inflammation in your body, which will make your TMJ symptoms worse. All of these factors combined create a cycle where stress and jaw pain feed into each other.
Stress-Relief Tips for TMJ Symptoms
While you can’t eliminate all stress from your life, there are still some ways to reduce its impact on your TMJ:
- Deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can help soften tense muscles.Â
- Try to keep your jaw relaxed during the day.
- Avoid habits like chewing gum or clenching your teeth.Â
- A warm compress can help with tight muscles, while a cold pack can help with inflammation.
- Gentle jaw and neck exercises can improve your flexibility.
- Sitting up straight reduces tension on your jaw and neck.
These small changes can make a big difference in managing your symptoms.
TMJ Treatments at Gentle Dental Care
If self-care isn’t enough, professional treatment can provide relief. At Gentle Dental Care, we offer options like:
- Custom bite splints to reduce clenching
- Physical therapy to relax jaw muscles
- Medications including anti-inflammatories or muscle relaxers
- Botox to ease muscle tension
Our experienced dentists take the time to understand your needs and create a plan to relieve your pain.
Take Control of Your TMJ Symptoms Today
If stress is worsening your TMJ symptoms, let Gentle Dental Care help you break the cycle. Call 732-549-5660 to schedule a consultation at our Edison or Highland Park, NJ, office.
