Do you suffer from recurring jaw pain? You might be experiencing symptoms of a TMJ disorder. Your temporomandibular joints are located just in front of your ears. Inflammation or damage to the joints can cause limited mobility of your jaw and pain. Essential oils are a natural solution for a number of issues, including jaw pain. Here’s how they may help you manage your discomfort and improve your jaw’s functions.
What is a TMJ Disorder?
Your temporomandibular joints allow you to open and close your mouth for movements necessary for life. If the joints function incorrectly, eating, yawning, and even speaking can be painful. You can experience a number of symptoms, including:
- Clicking, popping, or grating sensations.
- Jaw locking into an opened or closed position.
- Head, neck, or jaw pain.
- Earaches or ringing in the ears.
- Difficulty chewing, yawning, or speaking.
Can Essential Oils Help?
Essential oils have been used for centuries for various reasons, like treating pain, depression, stress, nausea, and insomnia. Although the Food and Drug Administration classifies oils as cosmetic, studies have found that they can offer many benefits for various issues, like TMJ disorders.
Some evidence suggests that essential oils can offer symptom management when combined with TMJ therapy. Essential oils may reduce pain, inflammation, and tension. A 2020 study from the Journal of Craniomandibular & Sleep Medicine found lavender to reduce pain to improve jaw mobility.
Although more research is needed to have a complete understanding of the effectiveness of essential oils for TMJ disorders, they can be a great addition to traditional treatment.
Treating TMJ Disorder
A TMD specialist can perform diagnostic services to determine if you have a TMJ disorder. They’ll create the personalized plan you need to stop your jaw pain. An oral appliance is the most common solution for TMJ disorders. The custom-fit device trains your jaw to rest in a more natural position to take pressure off the joints. When combined with changes at home, like eating soft foods, you can enjoy lasting relief.
Essential oils can help keep you comfortable while adjusting to your TMJ treatment. Discuss any home remedies with your TMJ specialist to ensure there are no risks of adverse complications.
About Dr. David Thomas
Dr. David Thomas earned his dental degree at the University of Pittsburgh and has continued his education in many specialties, including TMJ therapy. He provides personalized treatment plans to improve jaw functions and relieve pain with oral appliances. Request an appointment through his website or call his office at (206) 717-8434.
