Facial Swelling and TMJ Pain – How to Relief

TMJ and cheek discomfort are connected. Because inflammation in the temporo-mandibular joint spreads outside of the joint, it can affect a variety of TMJ structures. When tissues are infected or wounded, inflammation generates redness and swelling. TMJ occurs when the jaw joint is injured due to trauma, arthritic diseases, or other factors. Inflammation develops as a result, causing pain.

Unfortunately, in TMJ, the inflammation does not stay within the jaw joint. Rather, it spreads to other tissues in the surrounding area. As a result, the head and face's cheek and temple areas may become affected. TMJ pain in the cheeks and temples worsens with jaw movement and diminishes with jaw relaxation, unlike other causes of pain in similar locations. Other types of motions, on the other hand, aggravate other causes of cheek and temple pain. Alternatively, the pain is unaffected by jaw movement.

TMJ pain in the cheek and temple area is usually dull and painful. In TMJ, these locations may be slightly enlarged, but it is generally insignificant. The presence of redness is uncommon. Infections of the mouth or teeth, as well as a rare illness termed temporal arteritis, which causes pain in the temples, can cause this pain. A regular dental exam and the absence of a fever may typically rule out infection as a reason. In addition, temporal arteritis is distinguished from TMJ by direct pain of the temples to touch.

Because discomfort in the temples and cheeks is caused by inflammation spreading from the jaw joint, these symptoms usually go away quickly once TMJ treatment begins. Reevaluation is required by your TMJ dentist if these pains do not improve with improvement in jaw problems.

TMJ Signs and Symptoms

  • Tenderness or pain in your jaw joint

  • Suffering from neck or shoulder pain

  • Tiredness or soreness in the face

  • Swelling on your face's side

  • Earache in or around the ear

  • Chewing pain or a sour taste in the mouth

  • Toothaches

  • Headaches

  • Dizziness

  • Ear ringing or hearing difficulties (tinnitus)

  • A locked jaw makes opening and closing your mouth difficult.

  • When opening and closing your mouth, you may experience a clicking or grating feeling.

Options for TMJ treatment

TMJ can be treated in a variety of ways. Your first line of defense can be your own home. However, if at-home therapy options for your jaw have been exhausted, you may need to contact your doctor for further treatment.

Treatment at home

  • Stick to soft foods. Avoid items that demand wide bites, such as thick sandwiches, and fill up on non-chewy foods.

  • Take ibuprofen or naproxen, which are both over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications.

  • Maintain proper posture by not resting your chin on your hand.

  • Refrain from making excessive or needless jaw motions. Avoid chewing gum, putting your hand under your chin when you yawn, and singing or yelling, which might cause your mouth to extend too wide.

  • As often as possible, position your jaw with your teeth slightly apart. If you have problems with grinding or clenching your teeth, put your tongue between your teeth.

  • For around 10 minutes, apply moist heat or cold packs to your jaw and side of your face. This is something you can do numerous times a day.

  • Massage the muscles in your neck and jaw. Ask your doctor or physical therapist about gentle stretches you can do at home if necessary.

Medical Treatment

If the discomfort and tenderness in your jaw persists, or if you can't open and close your mouth, see a doctor. The following treatments may be suggested by a doctor:

  • Pain painkillers, muscle relaxants, and anti-inflammatory medications.

  • Mouth guards or oral splints - These soft or rigid oral devices are worn over your teeth to assist hold your jaw in place.

  • Physical and occupational therapy - A physical therapist can help you strengthen and expand your jaw by using stretches and massage treatments. They can also perform ultrasounds and assess your behavior to see whether it's causing your TMJ to deteriorate.

See us at TMJ and Sleep Therapy of Oklahoma for the right treatment and TMJ dentist.

**Disclaimer: The information on this page is not intended to be a doctor's advice, nor does it create any form of patient-doctor relationship.

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