5 Home Remedies To Relieve Jaw Pain
Jaw pain is more common than it sounds. It usually manifests suddenly and causes a feeling of discomfort. However, over time, it becomes a sharp and intense pain.
There are several symptoms associated with jaw discomfort that vary depending on the cause of the pain. Therefore, you should treat this condition as soon as possible, as the pain may spread across the face. But don’t worry, you can alleviate jaw pain with some home remedies.
Causes of Jaw Pain
In general, the jaw pain arises when the jaw joints suffer some misalignment. One of the reasons this can happen is that your teeth don’t fit properly. Another cause is bruxism, commonly known as teeth grinding. Also, it can be the result of neck injuries or jaw trauma.
There are several home remedies to relieve jaw pain. However, the first thing you should do is identify what is causing your discomfort. After that, you can treat the acute pain. Also, you will need to change some things, like the type of food you eat or certain habits.
Regardless of your specific case, it is important to see a doctor. That way you can get more information about the problem and handle it better.
teeth grinding
Teeth grinding is one of the main causes of jaw pain. It is also known as bruxism and consists of clenching your teeth, voluntarily or involuntarily. According to a study by the University of the Andes in Chile, some people do this when they’re sleeping, while others do it when they’re stressed.
The pressure you put on your teeth when you grind them is usually five times stronger than when you chew. This problem causes wear of tooth enamel and jaw pain. When you do this repeatedly, it can also cause jaw dislocations and headaches.
osteomyelitis
Osteomyelitis is an infection that affects bones and tissues, as indicated by a study by the University of Medical Sciences in Costa Rica. Some people develop osteomyelitis in the temporomandibular joint, which often causes facial swelling, high fever, and jaw pain.
This condition is curable but requires medical attention. The most effective alternative in this case is antibiotics. However, when the problem is very advanced, surgery may be necessary to remove different areas of the bone that die from the infection.
tooth abscess
A tooth abscess causes pus to accumulate in any area of the tooth. It is usually caused by untreated cavities or any other type of dental problem.
There are two types. The periapical, which occurs in the root, and the periodontal, which occurs in the gums, as shown by a study carried out by the University of Port Harcourt, in Nigeria.
When bacteria reach the tooth root, they also affect the tissues near the bone. This produces severe jaw pain. It can also inflame the lymph nodes and cause fever, as well as an unpleasant odor and taste in the mouth.
Therefore, you should see a dentist as soon as possible.
Home Remedies to Relieve Jaw Pain
Jaw pain can have different causes and levels of intensity. If you treat it in time, it may lose mobility in the jaw and make it difficult to speak or eat.
These home remedies will help you relieve jaw pain.
1. Cold compress
According to a study by the University of the Americas in Chile, cold compresses relieve pain and deflate the nerves, so they are very effective in relieving jaw pain. You should never apply ice directly to your skin as this can hurt you.
- Put the ice in a plastic bag.
- Wrap the bag with a cloth.
- Apply the compress to the area for ten minutes.
- Take it off for ten minutes and then repeat.
2. Hot compress
Moisture generated by hot water relaxes overactive muscles. In addition, it improves blood circulation in the affected area, which helps to reduce pain and improve the healing process, as stated in a study conducted by the Federal University of Piauí, in Brazil.
Check the temperature with your hands before applying it to your face.
- Wet a cloth with warm water.
- Wring it out to remove excess water.
- Apply to the region for ten minutes.
- Repeat the process every two hours until the jaw pain is relieved.
3. Improve your diet
When you suffer from jaw pain, you should stop consuming certain foods. You should avoid crunchy or hard foods whenever possible. For example, nuts, raw vegetables, crusty breads or crackers. Opt for soups, cooked vegetables, soft cheeses, and liquid foods.
Also, avoid chewing gum and drinking caffeine. This strains the muscles of the jaw and temporomandibular joints, which intensify and prolong the pain in the jaw. Try to include in your diet foods rich in calcium, magnesium, and vitamins A and C.
4. Massage the area
Massages help to optimize blood flow to the area and improve tension. For this reason, they are an excellent option for relieving jaw pain, regardless of the cause. Remember to do them gently so you don’t hurt the area.
- Apply olive oil, coconut oil or some cream to the jaw area.
- With your index and middle finger, massage the area in a circular motion for five minutes.
- Open your mouth four or five times.
- Repeat the process two or three times a day.
5. Control your stress
Stress can produce habits that are very damaging to the jaw. These habits include biting your nails or grinding your teeth. In this case, we recommend that you incorporate relaxation habits such as yoga or meditation into your day-to-day life. It’s also important that you get enough rest and have proper posture.
Additionally, you can do 20 or 30 minutes of aerobic exercise twice a week. Exercise reduces stress and helps the body generate endorphins, as a study by the University of Guayaquil in Ecuador suggests.
Conclusion
Yawning by opening your mouth too wide, chewing gum or food that is too hard, and sitting with poor posture can increase the pain. For this reason, avoiding these habits is essential to alleviating jaw pain.
If possible, try to deal with jaw pain in a natural way. However, you should consult an expert as soon as possible. If the pain is too strong, the problem can get worse. It is important to pay attention to this problem and take the necessary precautions to treat it.
