Does TMJ Go Away on Its Own?

When you have jaw pain that doesn’t go away on its own, or if it gets worse and affects your daily activities, then you need to see your doctor as soon as possible. This is because TMJ can be serious and life-threatening if left untreated.

There are a number of ways that TMJ can cause pain, including clenching or grinding your teeth, or even an injury to the jaw. If you have these symptoms, then your doctor will be able to identify the cause of your pain and prescribe treatment to cure it.

Bruxism is one of the most common causes of TMJ, and it can be treated with custom-made splints fitted over your upper or lower teeth to prevent clenching and grinding. These splints also allow your jaw joint to rest and heal.

Anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin, ibuprofen and Motrin (Aleve) can reduce pain and inflammation. Your doctor can also prescribe muscle relaxants and anti-anxiety medications.

Physical therapy is another treatment that can help treat TMJ, and it includes repositioning your jaw and strengthening the muscles around it. You may also need to exercise regularly to keep your muscles strong and avoid the onset of future flare ups.

Diet is a major factor in TMJ, and you should try to limit your intake of acidic foods and drinks. You should also avoid clenching or grinding your teeth at night. If you have a condition such as sleep apnea or snoring, this can increase your likelihood of experiencing TMJ problems.

The most obvious symptom of TMJ is the pain that you feel in your jaw joint as you chew, speak and move your mouth. It could also be accompanied by clicking or popping sounds that you hear when opening and closing your mouth.

Some of these noises are considered normal and don’t need to be treated. However, if you have any of these symptoms, then it’s a good idea to get checked out by your dentist or a TMJ specialist.

Medications are also an important part of treating TMJ, and your doctor can prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or muscle relaxants for the symptoms. You can also use moist heat and cold compresses on the affected area.

Surgery can be an option for more severe cases of TMJ, but it is not a guaranteed way to cure the condition. If you have recurring symptoms, then you will need to discuss the risks and benefits of this option with your dentist or TMJ specialist before you proceed.

TMJ is an umbrella term for a group of conditions that can cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. Most of these disorders resolve themselves over time, and you may need to seek professional help only if your symptoms are serious or affecting your quality of life.

TMJ usually goes away on its own if the source of the problem is addressed and it doesn’t interfere with your normal daily activities. In most cases, however, it will continue to come back if the problem isn’t properly addressed and corrected.