TMJ or temporomandibular joint disorder is a common condition that causes TMJ issues such as pain in the jaw area, front of the ear, and facial pain. If you have experienced TMJ you know it can be painful but there are many essential oils for TMJ that can help.
TMJ is very common and around 10 million people suffer from TMJ-related disorders in the United States. I suffer from it myself from time to time so I know how frustrating it can be!
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. This is not medical advice. I am not a doctor. All opinions are my own.
TMJ symptoms include jaw pain, muscle spasms, pain in jaw joints, neck pain, and other muscle pain. The best way to find pain relief from symptoms of TMJ is the use of essential oils along with other home remedies for jaw pain.
It’s also important to limit activities or things that can cause your TMJ to flare up. Common causes of TMJ syndrome include stress levels, lack of sleep, teeth grinding, and hormonal issues.
No matter what is triggering your temporomandibular disorder you can find comfort in knowing there are many essential oils and natural remedies that can help with pain relief.
In this post, we are going to focus on how to use essential oils for TMJ dysfunction with an added few bonus tips at the end of this post!
How to Use Essential Oils for TMJ
Essential oils are known for their calming effects and also analgesic properties. That means they can help to relieve pain and that makes them perfect for the treatment of TMJ.
You can take advantage of the natural pain-relieving properties of essential oils by applying them directly to the system of muscles that are feeling the pain. If you are experiencing pain in your jaw you can apply diluted essential oils directly to your jaw bones.
Below we will go over how to dilute essential oils with a carrier oil to apply them safely.
You can also diffuse essential oils for their stress-relieving effects. When you smell essential oils you will feel calmer and less stress means less clenching or teeth grinding that can worsen TMJ.
Diffusing will allow the muscles in your face and jaw to relax and help with pain management.
Carrier Oil
In order to make a dilution of essential oils to use for TMJ you need to use a carrier oil. The reason you need carrier oil is that essential oils will not combine completely with anything else and you don’t want to use strong essential oils directly on the affected area without diluting them.
When you use a carrier oil, the essential oil mixes evenly which allows you to get the same amount every time you apply them.
The most common carrier oils to use with essential oil include fractionated coconut oil, sweet almond oil, avocado oil, olive oil, and jojoba oil. My favorite carrier oil to use is fractionated coconut oil for my essential oil blends.
Dilution Ratio
Dilution ratios for essential oils and carrier oil are dependent on several different factors such as age and use. You can follow basic guidelines to safely dilute essential oils based on your specific needs by reading the full tutorial here.
Best Essential Oil for TMJ
Now that you know how to choose a carrier oil and dilute your essential oils you can pick the best essential oil for your needs.
If you’re dealing with sore jaw muscles and stress from TMJ these essential oils will help relieve your stress and cut down on the discomfort you are experiencing. You can also use more than one and make a blend in a roller bottle!
1) Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender oil is one of the most widely-used essential oils. Lavender is known to have a calming effect and also has anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it perfect for TMJ.
You can diffuse it with a diffuser pad or ultrasonic diffuser in your home or apply it diluted directly to your jaw bones. Lavender is very calming and it can be used to support a good night’s rest and a relaxing environment.
2) Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint oil is extracted from the leaves of the peppermint plant and it’s main component menthol. It is known for its cooling effects which makes it great for muscle aches and migraine headaches. It is one of the most promising essential oils for TMJ relief.
3) Sage Essential Oil
Sage oil has a bold herbal aroma and can help soothe sore muscles which make it great for TMJ. You can diffuse it or use it diluted topically.
4) Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea tree oil comes from the Melaleuca Alternifolia tree and is known to have pain-numbing and anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it perfect for use on your jaw pain. It is a very strong oil and should always be diluted.
5) Frankincense Essential Oil
Frankincense oil is known as the “holy anointing oil” and is arguably one of the most recognizable essential oils due to its wide range of supportive properties, as well as being one of the gifts given to baby Jesus.
It is perfect for TMJ because it has been known to reduce inflammation and has natural pain-relieving qualities. I always have a frankincense oil roller bottle on hand!
6) Clary Sage Essential Oil
TMJ can often cause muscle spasms in the jaw muscles. Clary sage essential oil is perfect for TMJ because it can help relieve muscle spasms and also promote relaxation.
Since stress is a contributing factor to TMJ this is a great essential oil to have on hand.
7) Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus oil is known to help relieve joint pain and therefore it is amazing for support of TMJ. Just like the other oils you can use it topically or diffuse it but be sure to dilute it before putting it on your skin.
Extra Tips of TMJ Pain
Essential oils work great for TMJ but there are also a ton of other natural remedies for jaw pain that you can implement in your daily routine. Here are a few of my favorite effective ways to find TMJ relief!
1) Change Your Pillow
If you suffer from sleep-related issues like jaw clenching or sleep bruxism getting a better pillow and sleeping in the correct position are super important.
Switching to a pillow for TMJ will help relieve any pain in your jaw due to grinding or clenching at night.
2) Stress Reduction
Jaw pain is often associated with stress. You should try to reduce your stress level throughout your day to reduce jaw pain.
Making simple changes throughout your day such as taking up a stress-relieving hobby can really add up and help relieve your jaw pain.
3) Change Your Night Routine
Much of the jaw pain people experience comes from clenching or grinding at night. Changing your night routine to add relaxing rituals can help calm the body and reduce pain.
This will allow for better sleep quality, therefore, reducing grinding or clenching. Try avoiding screen time an hour before bed and running a warm bath with a bath bomb.
4) Ice Pack
Putting an ice pack or cold compress on your jaw muscles can give you immediate relief from some of your muscle tension.
It helps numb the painful area and lower inflammation. You can also add essential oils to your cold compress for an extra dose of relief!
Wrapping Up Essential Oils for TMJ
Essential oils can help to relieve stress that causes TMJ and also provide temporary relief from TMJ pain. You can try the different oils until you find one that works best for you.
If you experience severe pain contact your healthcare provider so they can make you a treatment plan.
Looking for more natural remedies? Try these homeopathic remedies for postnatal drip!
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