Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder is notorious for causing pain, discomfort, and making everyday tasks like eating and speaking more difficult. When TMJ symptoms flare up, there’s only one question that’s on the person’s mind: When will this end?
At Rosewood Dental in Germantown, MD, we treat patients with TMJ disorder every day. Let’s dive into what causes TMJ flare-ups, their typical duration, how to manage the symptoms and minimize pain, and how to prevent future episodes.
What Is a TMJ Flare-Up?
A TMJ flare-up occurs when the patient begins to feel pain and discomfort in the temporomandibular joint, which connects the jawbone to the skull. Symptoms occur in both the muscles and joints that control movement of the jaw and may include:
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Clicking or popping noises when opening the mouth
- Difficulty chewing or speaking
- Headaches or ear pain
- Locking of the jaw
Flare-ups can come on suddenly or build up gradually. Some flare-ups may cause intense pain while others may be more mild and less impactful on daily life.
How Long Do TMJ Flare-Ups Last?
It’s hard to predict just how long a TMJ flare-up will last, but we do know that several factors are at play. The severity of the patient’s condition, the underlying causes, and how well the patient manages their symptoms. Some TMJ flare-ups last just a few hours or days and subside with only self-care. Other TMJ flare-ups can last weeks or become chronic, meaning the symptoms never fully subside. These cases will require professional dental care for relief.
What Triggers a TMJ Flare-Up?
Several factors contribute to TMJ flare-ups, including:
- Stress and Anxiety – Clenching the jaw or grinding teeth (also known as bruxism) due to stress
- Poor Posture – Slouching or improper head positioning
- Chewing Hard or Tough Foods – Eating foods that require excessive chewing, such as gum, tough meats, or crunchy snacks
- Teeth Misalignment – An uneven under or over bite
- Inflammation or Injury – Trauma to the jaw or surrounding muscles
Each patient will have their own unique set of triggers that they must identify and understand how to avoid in order to properly manage their TMJ disorder.
How to Manage and Reduce TMJ Flare-Ups
Luckily, there are several treatment options available for TMJ disorder sufferers:
1. Apply Ice or Heat
- Use an ice pack for 10-15 minutes to reduce inflammation.
- Apply a warm compress to relax the jaw muscles and relieve tension.
2. Practice Gentle Jaw Exercises
- Light stretching and massaging of the jaw muscles can improve mobility and reduce stiffness.
- Avoid excessive movements like wide yawning or chewing gum.
3. Adjust Your Diet
- Stick to soft foods that require minimal chewing, such as soups, yogurt, and smoothies.
- Avoid hard, chewy, or crunchy foods that may worsen jaw pain.
4. Manage Stress
- Engage in stress-reducing activities such as meditation, deep breathing, or gentle yoga.
- Consider wearing a custom nightguard if teeth grinding contributes to TMJ pain.
5. Maintain Good Posture
- Keep your head aligned with your spine when using screens or sitting for extended periods.
- Avoid resting your chin on your hand, as this can put pressure on the TMJ.
6. Seek Professional Treatment
If your TMJ symptoms persist, your dentist can recommend personalized treatments such as:
- Custom mouthguards or splints
- Physical therapy
- Prescription medications or muscle relaxants
- Dental treatments to correct bite alignment
When to See a Dentist for TMJ Pain
Seek professional care for TMJ disorder symptoms if:
- Your pain lasts longer than two weeks.
- You experience frequent flare-ups that interfere with daily activities.
- Your jaw frequently locks or has limited mobility.
- You have severe headaches, ear pain, or facial discomfort.
Find Relief from TMJ Pain at Rosewood Dental
If you're struggling with TMJ flare-ups, you don’t have to fight alone. The dental team at Rosewood Dental, serving Germantown, Damascus, North Bethesda, Clarksburg, Boyds, Gaithersburg, and Rockville, is here to help. We’ll customize a TMJ disorder treatment plan just for you, focusing on avoiding triggers and minimizing flare-up severity and duration. Schedule your appointment today by calling 301-515-2466 or request an appointment online.