How to Deal With TMJ Flare-Ups

How to Deal With TMJ Flare-Ups: Causes, Duration, and Relief

When TMJ flare-ups occur, they produce pain and discomfort from inflammation that can significantly affect daily activities. A flare-up is either the onset of new TMJ symptoms or a worsening of existing symptoms — and they can appear without warning.

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What Is a TMJ Flare-Up?

Flare-ups occur when the dysfunction in the jaw becomes acutely symptomatic. They can produce severe clicking, locking, jaw pain, muscle spasms, headaches, neck pain, and tinnitus. The duration of a typical flare ranges from two days to a couple of weeks.

What Causes TMJ Flare-Ups?

Eating Habits

Tough, hard, or chewy foods require excessive jaw movement, triggering painful muscle fatigue. A diet of softer foods and no gum helps prevent flare-ups.

Hormonal Changes

Fluctuations in hormone levels can cause joint inflammation. This is particularly relevant for women, whose estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate throughout adulthood.

Stress

Stress creates muscle tension in the head, neck, and shoulders, increases clenching and grinding, and disrupts sleep — all of which can worsen the joint and surrounding tissues.

Poor Posture

Incorrect spinal alignment affects jaw position and can cause or worsen TMJ pain. Those who spend significant time seated in front of a screen are especially prone.

How Long Do TMJ Flare-Ups Last?

A typical flare-up lasts two days to a few weeks. Recurrent or prolonged flare-ups are a sign that the underlying condition needs treatment.

Can TMJ Flare-Ups Be Prevented?

The following lifestyle adjustments can help considerably:

Reduce Stress

Regular stress-relief activities — yoga, meditation, music, reading — help keep jaw muscles relaxed.

Avoid Certain Jaw Movements

Avoid resting the chin on the hands and try to maintain some space between the teeth. Touching the tongue to the roof of the mouth behind the front teeth helps naturally relax jaw tension.

Eat Soft Foods

Rice, potatoes, soup, soft fruits, cereals, and cooked vegetables give the jaw a break. Avoid gum and chewy or hard foods.

Use Cold Packs or Warm Compresses

During a severe flare-up, apply ice to the jaw for 10 minutes, then a warm damp compress for 5 minutes. Repeat several times throughout the day.

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Get TMJ Treatment in Gilbert, AZ

If you are experiencing regular flare-ups, Dr. John A. Garza DDS, LVIF, FIAPA, FICOI can evaluate the underlying cause and develop a treatment plan tailored to you. No referral needed — book online or call (480) 539-7979.

About the Author

Dr. John A. Garza DDS, LVIF, FIAPA, FICOI has been practicing dentistry in Gilbert, AZ since 1994. He is highly trained in neuromuscular and physiologic dentistry, with extensive experience diagnosing and treating TMJ disorder, orofacial pain, and jaw dysfunction. One of fewer than 500 dentists worldwide to hold the LVIF designation from the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies.