Conquer Chronic Jaw Pain:
Effective TMJ Treatment in Denville, NJ

How Can You Differentiate TMJ Pain From a Toothache?

To tell the difference between TMJ pain and a toothache, pay attention to where the pain is coming from and what makes it worse. TMJ pain usually affects the jaw joint and muscles around it, and you might feel it in front of your ear, your cheek, and even radiating down to your neck. It often worsens when you move your jaw, like chewing or talking. Conversely, a toothache is typically focused on one specific tooth or area in your mouth. It might get worse when you eat or drink something hot, cold, or sweet. If the pain is more generalized around your jaw and changes with jaw movement, it's likely TMJ. If it's localized to a tooth and reacts to temperature or sweetness, it's probably a toothache.

What are some lifestyle changes that can help TMJ?

1. Eat Soft Foods: Stick to soft foods that are easy to chew, like yogurt, soup, and mashed potatoes, to give your jaw a break.
2. Avoid Chewing Gum: Chewing gum can put extra stress on your jaw muscles, so it's best to avoid it.
3. Use Heat or Cold Packs: Apply heat or cold packs to your jaw to reduce pain and relax the muscles.
4. Practice Jaw Exercises: Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises can help improve jaw movement and relieve tension.
5. Manage Stress: Stress can cause you to clench your jaw, so finding ways to relax, like deep breathing or reading, can be beneficial.
6. Adjust Your Posture: Good posture can help relieve pressure on your jaw. Try to keep your back straight and avoid leaning your head forward when using devices like your phone or computer.