Helpful Suggestions for Pain and Discomfort

Helpful Suggestions for TMJ Pain

•  Rest the muscles and joints.
  
  1. This includes a soft diet.  Avoid hard foods such a chips, nuts, raw veggies.
  2. Avoid Chewing Gum
  3. Avoid opening wide
• No Clenching or Tensing
  
  1. Identify when you might be clenching your jaw
  2. Learn to keep “teeth apart, face and jaw relaxed”
• Massage Jaw, Temple, Neck and Shoulder Muscles
  
  1. Physical Therapy or Chiropractor can help with stretching and exercises
• Practice Yoga and Meditation for Stress relief
• Sleeping Position
  
  1. Back or side with good pillow support, do not sleep on stomach
• Exercise regularly
  
  1. Increase heart rate for 30 min 3-4x week, low impact on TMJ
• NSAIDs for inflammation and pain relief (if not allergic)
  
  1. Ibuprofen 400mg every 8 hours or as directed by your doctor
• Control stress
• Apply Moist Heat or ice for 20 minute intervals
• See your dentist for a custom made Nightguard

For more information:
www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/t/tmj

Helpful Suggestions for Wisdom Teeth Discomfort

Third molars or Wisdom teeth can cause many problems.   Even though they may not be visible in the mouth, or impacted, there may still not be enough room for them.   Their position may create problems for the adjacent teeth.   They can cause crowding, cysts, tumors, infection, gum disease, and pain.  Your dentist will usually need an additional radiograph to advise you on when and if they need to be removed.

If you are already experiencing pain from your Wisdom teeth you should make an appointment to see your dentist or Oral Surgeon as soon as possible.  Make sure you are keeping the gums as clean as you can.   Remove all food debris that may become trapped.  Brush and Floss regularly with a soft bristled tooth brush.   Apply Hydrogen Peroxide with a Q-tip around the affected area.  Rinse with Warm salt water (1 tsp of salt dissolved in 8 oz of warm water). 

OTC pain relievers can be very helpful.   NSAIDs such as Motrin or ibuprofen 400-600mg can be taken every 8 hours or Acetaminophen 325-500mg 1-2 tablets every 6 hours.  Be sure to consult with your MD if you are taking other medications or if you have any allergies to medications before taking any medications. 

Using a topical anesthesia such as ambesol, orajel or Ice over the area may lessen the discomfort.  

As mentioned schedule an appointment with your Dentist or Oral Surgeon as soon as possible. 

For more info:
www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/w/wisdom-teeth