Apply moist heat to your jaw to relieve sore,
tense muscles related to a
temporomandibular disorder. Do not apply heat to your
jaw if it has swollen after an injury.
- Dip a towel in hot tap water or warm a damp towel
in a microwave oven. You may also use a hot pack, electric moist heating unit,
or a heating pad set on low or medium. (Be careful not to fall asleep while
using a heating pad, as you may burn yourself or start a
fire.)
- Apply moist heat (no warmer than bath water) to your jaw
muscles 3 to 4 times a day for 15 to 20 minutes each time.
- If moist
heat alone does not bring relief, alternate moist heat and an ice pack. Apply
each for 5 to 8 minutes.
Note: | Do not use heat if your jaw is swollen, you have had an injury to
the jaw, you have difficulty sensing pain, or you have poor blood
circulation. |
Apply ice to your jaw if there is swelling,
such as from a recent injury.
- Apply ice 3 to 4 times a day for 10 to 15 minutes
each time. Do this for the first 3 days.
- After 3 days, apply moist
heat, following the same schedule, for 1 week.
Use aspirin or another
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (such as Motrin or
Advil) to reduce jaw swelling and pain.
