re: Jaw Pain; TMJ Thread

I'm a dentist....you almost certainly will need a TMJ splint. Short of that, using moist heat...such as soaking a hand towel in hot water and applying it to your face on the joint area does give short term relief. Not opening too large, not biting on ice, chewing gum,raw apples or carrots, and just overall being conscience of having a space between your upper and lower teeth at all times that you are not in function (which during times of stress isn't easy to maintain)...this space is referred to as the physiologic position of rest, and it must be maintained for the disc to slide back into place and for blood flow to be restored to the joint. Best of luck...a splint is the only thing that will sway the odds of relief in your favor, regretfully.