Jaw Pain Relief: 6 Practical Tips Your Dentist Might Recommend

Jaw pain can sneak up on you—often without warning. You might notice a dull ache around your ears, feel a click when you open your mouth or experience a sharp sting when chewing.

These symptoms are more than just uncomfortable—they can impact your daily routine, from speaking to eating and even sleeping. If you’re seeking relief from jaw pain, the good news is that there are several steps you can take to alleviate the discomfort.

1. Apply Warm or Cold Compresses

One of the quickest and most accessible ways to reduce jaw pain is by using temperature therapy. A warm compress can help relax the tight muscles in your jaw, while a cold pack reduces inflammation and dulls sharp pain.

• Apply a warm pad or heating pad several times a day for about 15-20 minutes.
• Alternate with a cold compress if swelling is present.

This simple technique offers temporary relief and is especially helpful after a long day of talking or chewing.

2. Eat Soft Foods and Avoid Overuse

When your jaw is in pain, the last thing it needs is to be overworked. A few days of switching to a soft food diet can afford joint rest and a restorative period.

• Avoid chewy or crunchy foods such as gum, steak, or crusty bread.
• Opt for soups, smoothies, mashed vegetables, or eggs instead.

Chewing on only one side can exacerbate the pain. Try to keep your bite even and avoid habits like nail-biting or chewing on pens.

3. Practice Jaw Exercises and Stretches

Just like any other muscle group, your jaw benefits from gentle stretching and movement. Simple jaw exercises can help increase mobility, strengthen surrounding muscles, and reduce stiffness.

Practical exercises include:

• Gradually lowering and raising your mouth
• Stretching your jaw to the left and the right side, withholding a few seconds
• Practising deep breathing while keeping your jaw relaxed

Before starting any jaw exercises, it’s best to consult your dentist or physiotherapist, especially if your pain is chronic.

4. Reduce Stress and Tension

Stress is a major contributor to jaw pain. It is common to find yourself biting your lower teeth together or grinding your teeth when you are stressed without being aware of it – this is called bruxism. This habit puts excess pressure on the jaw joint and muscles.

To manage stress and avoid clenching:

• Practice mindfulness or meditation daily.
• Do relaxation tensions such as deep breathing or yoga
• Consider wearing a mouthguard (occlusal splint) at night if you grind your teeth while sleeping.

A custom nightguard from your Northmead dentist can protect your teeth and ease jaw strain.

5. Improve Posture and Ergonomics

Your sitting posture contributes to good jaw alignment, although this may not be immediately apparent. Keeping the head forward or slouching (particularly when using a phone or computer) can cause straining of the neck, as well as the jaw.

Tips to improve posture:

• Sit upright with your ears aligned with your shoulders
• Avoid holding the phone on the shoulder and the ears
• Take regular breaks from screens and stretch your neck and shoulders

Good posture promotes overall musculoskeletal balance, including in the jaw area.

6. Seek Professional Jaw Pain Relief

If jaw pain persists or worsens, it’s time to consult a dental professional. Your Northmead dentist will examine your bite and may take X-rays to determine whether the cause is dental-related, such as tooth grinding, a misaligned jaw bite, a TMJ condition, or an infection.

At My Local Dentists, we offer a range of dental services to help diagnose and effectively treat jaw pain. Our modern facility has state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment to identify the cause of your issue.

Whether your issue is muscular, joint-related, or dental, we’ll work with you to create a tailored treatment plan for long-term relief of jaw pain.

Jaw Pain Relief in Northmead

Living with jaw pain can be exhausting—but you don’t have to suffer in silence. Our team at My Local Dentists is here to help you understand your symptoms, explore solutions, and find lasting relief.

We are committed to providing compassionate, professional dental care that promotes your dental health and overall well-being.

Book your online appointment or call your Northmead dentist on (02) 9630 9996.

Visit us at 19/5-7 Kleins Rd in Northmead.