Many people turn to home remedies to treat their various aches and pains. While many of these treatments can provide temporary relief, they are usually not effective at resolving the underlying issues of the discomfort. Some people suffering from TMJ disorders turn to essential oils such as lavender or chamomile to ease their pain, but the best way to address these issues is to talk with your dentist about them. Here’s what you should know about using essential oils to treat TMJ pain as well as how your dentist can help you with the problem.
What Are TMJ Disorders?
The temporomandibular joints, or TMJ, are the joints connecting your jaw to your skull on either side of your face. These connections are quite complex, and pain or tension can arise due to the bones shifting out of their proper alignments or due to the tissues becoming inflamed. These issues can develop due to stress, injuries, teeth grinding, genetics, and arthritis, and they can include symptoms such as:
- Pain or tenderness in the jaw or ear
- Difficulty chewing, speaking, or opening the mouth
- Locking of the joint
- Headaches, backaches, or neck pains
- Clicking or popping sounds when the jaw moves around
Can Essential Oils Help TMJ Disorders?
Essential oils are oils extracted from plants, and many of them have been used to treat issues like pain, nausea, depression, anxiety, insomnia, and stress in clinical aromatherapy. While these substances have been used for thousands of years due to their pleasant scents and purported healing properties, they are not regarded as medicines by the Food and Drug Administration. While they may be able to provide many people with relief from their jaw pain, essential oils cannot address the causes of TMJ disorders.
How Can My TMJ Disorder Be Treated?
Luckily, your dentist is trained and equipped to diagnose and address the underlying causes of TMJ disorders. They may use cone beam CT imaging technology to gain detailed data about the structure of your jaw joints, airway, and the surrounding structures in your face and neck. Once the nature of your TMJ pain is understood, your dentist can develop a non-surgical treatment plan designed to rehabilitate your jaw by addressing your unique needs. This may take the form of a program of physical therapy, orthodontic treatment, or painless MLS cold laser treatments.
Don’t let your jaw pain stand in the way of you enjoying your life. Consulting with your dentist can help you find the best way to address your TMJ disorder.
About the Practice
Elmbrook Family Dental is equipped to provide families in Brookfield, WI with everything they need to take care of their smiles. Led by a team of seven experienced dentists, the staff ensures that each patient receives top-notch care in a friendly and welcoming environment. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as TMJ treatments. If you suspect that you have a TMJ disorder, contact the office online.