Contributed by: Healthians Team
Introduction
The temporomandibular joint, commonly known as TMJ, connects the lower jawbone to the skull. TMJ disorders occur when you feel pain in your jaw joint and the muscles controlling jaw movement.
A number of factors, such as stress, trauma, an incorrect bite, arthritis, general wear and tear, arthritis, and jaw injuries can cause this disorder of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
These issues can impact the jaw joints and the surrounding muscles and ligaments.
Symptoms of TMJ
The most common symptoms of TMJ disorders include:
- Headache
- Pain behind the eyes
- Ear Pain
- Pain on yawning, chewing, or talking
- A clicking, popping sound on closing or opening the mouth
- Jaws that lock or get stuck
- Tenderness in jaw muscles
- Swelling on the side of the face.
- A change in the alignment of lower and upper teeth
TMD symptoms are typically short-lived for most people, but for some, pain and discomfort while exercising their facial muscles are chronic (long-lasting) and can become worse over time by clenching, chewing, swallowing, or grinding their teeth.
The pain caused by TMJ is uncomfortable and disruptive. Nonsurgical treatments can relieve TMJ pain in some minor cases.
Additionally, some herbs and essential oils can help fight the inflammation and irritation that comes with TMJ disorders.
Clove
While cloves are often used in cooking to flavour meat and rice dishes, they can also be used as an antiseptic, mouth anaesthetic, and infection fighter.
Cloves contain an anti-inflammatory and analgesic chemical called eugenol that has been used in dentistry since the 19th century to relieve gumming swelling brought on by TMJ pain.
You can consume the entire plant, whether as a tea, prepared ingredient, or apply a small amount of clove oil to the TMJ to relieve pain.
Calendula
This has antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a potent herb for healing.
It is efficient at eliminating bacteria that can cause cavities and gingivitis. It can be used as an essential oil, to make powder, or in tea.
Rosemary
This has anti-inflammatory properties, is high in antioxidants, improves memory, and provides neurological protection.
By weakening the cell walls of bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics and allowing medications to enter, it can also boost the efficiency of antibiotics. It can be used in tea, oil or cooked in food.
Kava root
Kava has proven to be effective in treating TMJ in a number of ways. It can greatly reduce the pain and tension of TMJ.
Kava has narcotic, diuretic, anaesthetic, and antibacterial properties. It can occasionally be chewed to ease throat discomfort. When chewed, it has a numbing effect on the tongue and throat.
Peppermint essential oil
Peppermint essential oil is a non-prescription treatment for TMJ. The oil is well known for having antiseptic, antifungal, and antibacterial effects.
It promotes serenity and calmness and is frequently used as a sleep aid.
Inflammation can be effectively treated with it, and TMJ-related headaches can also be relieved. The peppermint relieves discomfort by calming the muscles in the jaw and face.
Eucalyptus essential oil
This has natural analgesic or pain-relieving qualities, making it an ideal candidate to relieve discomfort caused by TMJ.
Because lavender is a natural sleep aid, it is an excellent night-time treatment and helps relieve tension, symptoms of depression, and insomnia.
Lavender oil
Lavender oil is perhaps the best essential oil to use for a holistic treatment of the symptoms of TMJ.
Apart from being a powerful anti-inflammatory, its soothing qualities and fragrance can also aid in managing the neurological aspects of TMJ by helping the brain calm down from anxieties.
Copaiba oil
Copaiba oil has shown to be very helpful for inflamed TMJ tissues. Applying this essential oil is most frequently used to treat wounds and rashes.
It assists in controlling the immune system’s operations. To cure TMJ, this oil should be taken orally.
Put one drop of the oil under your tongue once each day for immediate relief from TMJ discomfort and tension.
Final thoughts
There is no proven way to cure TMJ with herbal remedies, but the above- anti-inflammatory herbs can help alleviate pain caused by TMJ.
It is also recommended to identify stressors, rest, and find a way to unwind from the day. This is because stress and anxiety are very common inducers of TMJ.
Some people tend to tense their jaw when feeling stressed or anxious, which results in TMJ symptoms.
As an add-on, make a habit of taking preventive health checkups as they can help you in getting a complete insight into your health.
This will also help you with taking measures to promote your overall well-being.
