Has your jaw started to pain after getting braces? Every orthodontic journey has its set of baggage. Mild discomfort is totally normal and just a sign that your jaw and teeth are adjusting to the changes. Let’s take a closer look at why this happens, along with methods to ease this condition.
TMJ Pain With Braces
During younger days, you are more energetic, and braces pain is a normal thing, something which you can easily bear. You sailed through your orthodontic journey without any hint of jaw pain, but now, you find yourself deep in the pit of discomfort. Why does this happen? Well, the main reason behind this issue is the amount of pressure put on the jaw to move the direction of teeth. The discomfort felt is minimal, and compared to the result that you aim for, it is a small price to pay.
How Can You Ease Jaw Pain?
Now, for the most important information – ways to find relief from TMJ problems or the constant jaw pain you are suffering from due to braces.
- Watch What You Eat: Take on this change as a challenge and embrace the competition. Go for a softer diet and stay away from chewy foods such as candies and gum.
- Heat and Ice Therapy: Your jaw muscles are like any other present in the body, so you treat them like you would for others. Apply a warm heated pad to boost blood flow to soothe them. Moreover, you can easily balance it out with the help of an ice pack on the joint area to tackle inflammation.
- Anti-Inflammatory Meds: Time to make a new best friend – anti-inflammatory medications. They are perfect for pain and inflammation. Two of the popular choices include ibuprofen and Tylenol. However, do consult your doctor to figure out the right medication for you.
- Get A Mouthguard: It is time to let go of the teeth-clenching problem. Get a mouthguard to work as a barrier and keep your teeth safe from added pressure.
- Stress Control: Stress can be unavoidable in certain situations, but managing it may result in a game changer.
Can You Continue Using Braces With TMJ Pain?
This might be the burning question rummaging through your mind – can you continue your braces journey while battling jaw pain? Well, it totally depends on your situation. In certain cases, dentists might hit the pause button for a while. But for some, they may continue as it is.
Closing Note
If you would like to learn more about braces’ pain relief methods, contact Nimmi Shine Dental at either of the following locations: 9888 Carroll Centre Rd Suite #112, San Diego, CA 92126, United States.