What Can You Do? Chewing strains the TMJ. If symptoms are bad
you might not be able to chew at all. Eating soft foods, not
biting into hard foods, and finely chopping foods can all aid
when dealing with TMJ disorder. Ice and Heat Ice reduces
swelling and pain. Heat relaxes muscles and increase blood flow.
For severe pain apply ice for 10 to 20 minutes. A hot towel can
be used for mild pain. Items to Avoid Avoid hard or chewy foods.
If your jaw aches reschedule routine dental visits. Put a fist
under your jaw and apply gentle pressure before yawning. Refrain
from activities that hurt such as, yelling or singing. Do not
cradle the telephone with your shoulder. Support your lower back
at work and take frequent breaks to stretch and rest. Use an
orthopaedic pillow during sleep to support your head and neck.
Anti-inflammatories and Analgesics Anti-inflammatories and
analgesics are used to treat pain, inflammation, osteoarthritis
and rheumatoid arthritis. Anti-inflammatories reduce swelling,
heat, redness, and pain