Your temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are located on either side of your face, connecting your jaw to your skull. They allow you to open and close your mouth and make other movements necessary for your daily life. If the joints function incorrectly, you can develop a TMJ disorder, which can result in jaw pain and limited joint movements. Essential oils may help you get the relief you need. Here’s what you need to know to stop your TMJ pain.
What is a TMJ Disorder?
Many issues can affect your TMJs, like past injuries, arthritis, or an unbalanced bite. No matter the culprit, it can cause inflammation within the joints, leading to pain and limited mobility. You can experience a variety of symptoms, including:
- Clicking or popping sounds in the jaw
- Headaches
- Difficulty opening or closing the mouth
- Jaw locking in an open or closed position
- Neck pain
- Ear and facial pain
- Tinnitus
Can Essential Oils Help?
Although not approved by the FDA, an article published in the Elsevier Public Health Emergency Collection Journal found that various scents and properties can relieve many ailments, like depression and anxiety.
A 2016 study in the Hindawi Journal reported that lavender can ease chronic pain, which can help TMJ sufferers. When applied topically, it can alleviate certain pains. Dilute lavender oil before applying it to your skin.
Lavender also produces calming effects, which can ease stress and tension. This can reduce the occurrence of grinding and clenching your teeth, which can trigger TMJ disorders. Inflammation in the joints can also trigger bruxism. As a result, you can treat both issues by diffusing lavender in your room or spraying it on your pillow before going to bed.
Talk to Your TMJ Specialist
Although essential oils can benefit TMJ sufferers, they may not be enough to resolve your pain. You’ll need to see a TMJ specialist for treatment. They’ll create a personalized plan to improve your jaw’s functions and stop your discomfort, like orthodontics to fix your bite or an oral appliance to retrain your jaw to rest in a more comfortable position. They may also recommend changes at home, like eating softer foods or practicing jaw exercises.
With a proactive approach to managing your symptoms and the help of a TMJ specialist, you can get the relief you need
About Dr. Pamela West
Dr. West has over 3 decades of experience in dentistry and sleep medicine. After earning her dental degree from the University of Southern California Dental School, she has regularly continued her education in many specialties, like TMJ disorders. If you need treatment for TMD, request an appointment online or call (702) 602-4000.