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Natural Remedies for TMJ Relief: Pain and Inflammation Support

| Modified on Oct 05, 2024
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The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
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Magnesium
Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee) on 10/05/2017
 ★★★★★

My daughter had been experiencing ear pain. With a cold going around she was assuming it was an earache. However, knowing she has had jaw pain in the past, I was suspecting that TMJ was the cause, especially since she has had symptoms of this in the past as I have.

I had her take magnesium before bed last night. This morning I asked how her ear pain was. She smiled and said it didn't hurt at all. We talked about the connecting between clenching the teeth and ear pain and TMJ pain. Her sister, who shares a room with her, confirmed that she does indeed clench her teeth at night.

I believe teeth clenching (bruxism) is a symptom of magnesium deficiency.

I only gave her 3/4 teaspoon of Natural Calm, which was about 120 mg of magnesium, which isn't really that much.

If I forget to take magnesium before bed I will clench my teeth at night and wake up with jaw pain. Once I forgot it two nights in a row and I had so much radiating pain that I thought all of my teeth had abscessed (overnight, right? :) ) Resuming magnesium at night resolved the teeth pain.

~Mama to Many~

Frankincense Essential Oil
Posted by Mama to Many (TN) on 03/13/2021
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I have had TMJ trouble for decades. Surgery 30 years ago provided significant relief for many years. A recent MRI showed that the condyle bones are severely degenerated. I am planning to have platelet injections and arthocentesis in the jaw joints in May. Meanwhile, if I take magnesium at night, stick to a soft diet and wear an appliance at night, pain is controlled.

Unfortunately, this week I forgot my appliance one night and the next night I forgot to take magnesium. The pain was really bothering me. I was getting ready to watch a movie with my kids. (I tend to be tense when watching even kid movies and thought that this was probably not going to be good for my jaw.) I decided to put some frankincense essential oil on my face in front of my ears, over the jaw joints just because. It is an oil that always surprises me at its many uses.

After the movie I realized my jaw did not hurt anymore!

Yesterday my daughter woke up with a stiff neck. I was sure to include frankincense in my remedies to help relief her pain. (Also used arnica, ibuprofen, and quercetin/bromelain supplements.) She was much better today.

It is important to use a quality frankincense oil. My favorite brand is Hopewell. It is excellent quality for a reasonable price.

~Mama to Many~

Thieve’s Oil Compress
Posted by Rob (Kentucky) on 06/22/2021
 ★★★★★

My GF had a severe attack of TMJ after returning home from a dinner date. She said it started while she was eating. First, we applied a heating pad to the side of her face. Did not do much for the pain.

So, next we tried applying Dr. Christopher's SenSei Menthol Ointment (if you are not familiar with this product, imagine vick's salve, tigerbalm and icy hot combined times 100! ) to the side of her jaw, neck and around her ear.

I then made up an oil compress of thieve's oil to be placed inside her mouth (placed between her back tooth gum line of her jaw and cheek). As close to the temporomandibular joint area as possible. The compress will release its oils over the hour so it will absorb into the jaw area.

Then I had her lay down for the night. She woke-up as if nothing had ever happened.

How to make this essential oil compress:

  • 6 drops thieves oil – mine has cinnamon, not cassia (I guess you could add more drops if you want it stronger)
  • 30 drops olive oil
  • ½ of a small cottonball

Mix oils in a small bowl with your finger then soak it up with the cottonball.

Note: I am trying this on myself tonite for fluid in my inner ear that won't go away. If it works, I'll post results.

Oil Pulling
Posted by Mama to Many (Tennessee) on 06/11/2024
 ★★★★★

Dear Areli,

This thread hasn't been active in many years so you may not hear back from anyone on it. I will share a few things; I have had TMJ for 40 years. Effective treatments have come a long way.

Teeth pain can be a sign of teeth clenching at night. Taking magnesium before bed helps me a lot with that. There are many physical therapists and chiropractors that have effective techniques for treating TMJ. In your area look up TMJ Physical Therapy or TJM Chiropractor.

You may also benefit from a custom appliance to wear at night. I have worn one for many years and I wouldn't go without it. A good dentist can help you with that.

~Mama to Many~

Iodine
Posted by Barry (Rising Fawn, Georgia) on 12/19/2016
 ★★★★★

You are correct about iodine treating temporomandibular joint disorder. My wife had TMJ severely at times and we started taking iodine years ago and have recently increased our dosage. We have been experiencing benefits we could never imagine -all positive of course. And one of them is her TMJ is almost completely resolved. What's crazy is that the dental establishment does not even recognize iodine as a treatment.

Borax
Posted by Amy G. (Michigan) on 06/11/2022
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

Maybe 10 years ago I discovered Borax on this site for detoxing metals. An unexpected side effect was my TMJ disappeared within the first week. I'm surprised that after 10 years, I still don't see TMJ listed as something else borax cures, so I'm adding it here myself! TMJ is basically untreatable through conventional methods so to be able to open my mouth fully again with no pain or even tightness is a miracle to me! I hope others will find relief too.

I follow Ted's Borax protocol of 1/8 tsp in 1 liter of distilled water 5 days a week for 4 weeks. I've had to repeat the protocol a few times over 10 years.

Iodine
Posted by Pangloss (Tennessee, Usa) on 01/09/2014
 ★★★★★

My wife has had bad TMJ for years, leading to awful headaches as well. A $30 ebook bought online provided exercises which helped a lot - but not a permanent cure. Lately she has been taking iodine to help her low thyroid issues. She has discovered that when she takes 3 drops of iodine a day (2 drops of Lugol's Iodine and 1 drop of Atomidine) 1 drop at a time several hours apart, she has no jaw problem. Maybe TMJ can be a sign of iodine deficiency in at least some cases? Oh yes, we also quit using fluoride toothpaste decades ago, and quit drinking fluoridated water recently. Fluorine, chlorine (both in water) and bromine (in white flour) all interfere with iodine absorption.

Remember, your mileage may vary! If you take iodine and get tension, palpitations, runny nose, frontal headache - back off, you are taking too much for your present needs!

Iodine
Posted by Limagi (Ulladulla Australia) on 02/07/2023
 ★★★★★

There is something about iodine and TMJ. It's the only thing that stops my afternoon jaw lock! I am also hypothyroid and take Natural Dessicated Thyroid in the mornings (which contains iodine I think) and that lasts until the late afternoon. Then when those meds wear off, jaw sticks and locks I use iodine drops (potassium Iodine - lugol's) about 4 drops. Problem gone till next day. Very effective treatment but not a cure.

Amalgam Removal
Posted by Lori (Phoenix, Az) on 09/23/2021
 ★★★★★

Results from having amalgam (silver) fillings removed.

I have been clenching my jaw when I sleep for years and I have been told by most health providers that it's stress-related. I would always disagree in my mind - “yes I'm experiencing stress but this isn't caused by stress”. I've been searching for an answer for years. I finally had a sleep test about 6 years ago and was diagnosed with mild sleep apnea. Huh well……maybe my jaw clenching was stabilizing my airway to continue breathing while I slept. That's a good thing - right? So I got a night guard for my teeth and figured at least I was mostly breathing at night. The curiosity continued however because there was no reason to have sleep apnea. My weight is height-appropriate and I don't have food allergies.

I finally just had my amalgams safely removed and my jaw didn't clench starting that very first night. In the past, as I was falling asleep, sometimes I would catch my jaw snapping shut like a snapping turtle. And it was involuntary. Now I am sleeping without clenching. And I don't think I have sleep apnea either. At least my Fitbit shows adequate O2 levels during sleep (not sure how it knows that but it says it does).

I can't explain all of it physiologically but this is my experience for what it's worth.

Cayenne and Castor Oil
Posted by Michie (NYC, NY) on 10/16/2014
 ★★★★☆

I have had mild tmj for many years now without any pain. Last week I heard a loud click and it started aching and felt painful while I ate. I have been using cayenne pepper for some other ailments and read many of the wonderful health benefits of it.So, I decided to try it after seeing a massage video for the jaw. I took about 3 drops of the pepper oil mixed it with a bit of castor oil and rubbed it on the inside of my mouth where the bone is. I could feel a little tender spot and rubbed it extra into that. Then, I continued to do the same for the outside of my jawline. When I woke today it felt a bit better so I am going to continue this for a few weeks and see what happens. The pepper is supposed to bring fresh blood to the area while the oil is healing. Hope this helps anyone who may have this problem.

Magnesium
Posted by SusanBo (Monterey, Ca) on 12/28/2009
 ★★★★★

hi TMJ, try rubbing magnesium oil instead by rubbing it on your jaw near ears and on your neck. It will sting, but won't ever give you the runs. I have used it for TMJ with phenomenal results. I apply it 20 minutes before getting in the shower and then rinse it off in the shower. You could also rinse it off in the sink. It comes off very easily.

Biotin
Posted by Mark (Chicago, IL) on 04/21/2023
 ★★★★★

Anytime I have jaw pain Biotin solves the problem within 1 day.

It's like clockwork, I run out of my bottle of biotin and within 2 weeks I'll have jaw pain again. It's possible that one of my other supplements depletes biotin. I take magnesium, boron/zinc, b vitamins, fish oils, collagen, mushroom powders, heart/circulation supplements like serrapeptase/nattokinase, and various nootropics so it would be hard to isolate what exactly is depleting the biotin. But I definitely need Biotin regularly. The 300 mcg in the B-complex supplements isn't enough. I take an 8mg pill at least a few times a week.

TMJ Exercises
Posted by Lon (Stanhope, Nj) on 08/12/2009
 ★★★★★

TMJ: I used the kinetic exercises on this youtube link and a heating pad at night to stop my relentless pain. In addition, since I can't afford acupuncture, I massaged the areas an acupuncturist, in another youtube video, targeted to treat TMJ. The pain was so bad I thought I had infected teeth; wasting money and time on two emergency dental visits even though the dentist couldn't find anything wrong with my teeth. He finally suggested the pain might be from TMJ since I had some symptoms. I felt the heating pad and the kinetic exercises were the main focus of my home remedy and gave me a faster than expected reduction in pain, continued practice over a week or so stopped the pain altogether. I did the exercises whenever I thought about it, even while driving and doing other tasks, such as washing dishes. Most of the exercises are hands free: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1O8ArvMOzqQ">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1O8ArvMOzqQ

Chin Strap
Posted by Mama to Many (TN) on 01/29/2019
 ★★★★★

I had a terrible TMJ flare up last week that I am still recovering from.

There are certain foods I have to avoid or it will aggravate my jaw joint - especially bagels and popcorn. Well, I have been eating a lot of salads and raw carrots lately and think that set me off this time around.

My jaw was almost locked shut and I was in so much pain. I have had TMJ for 30 years and learned some new things last week that really helped me! First, my primary doctor recommended trying some you tube videos to release the muscles. I was skeptical but desperate. After the first video my jaw was already more relaxed and seemed to be back in place. I have continued the exercises on these two videos several times a day for the last week. My pain is much better and my range of motion is retored to about 60% of normal. Which beat 10% of normal last week.

A few years ago I had seen online about using a special device to hold the jaw in place while sleeping. I couldn't find that this last week. But I did find that a chin strap used to help people stop snoring is used by some for TMJ. It works by holding your mouth closed. I thought this would help me because I wake up with my jaw tight and uncomfortable in the wrong position. I didn't want to wait to have one shipped and the local drugstore didn't carry this.

I decided to try a make shift version. I used a wide knit stretchy headband. I put it on my head from my chin to the crown of my head. It was snug but not uncomfortable. I wake up with my jaw feeling pretty good instead of extra stiff. I was thrilled to find two free things to help improve. I am still eating only soft foods and avoiding talking to much. I do take magnesium every night. If I don't I am sure to have jaw pain when I wake up. I have done this for years.

Here are the videos I used: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVWPlYbONMk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKxs81wJj2I ~Mama to Many~

Acupuncture
Posted by Relief (Sd, Usa) on 01/22/2011
 ★★★★★

TMJ RELIEF, finally the only thing that has worked after 3 years of 24 hour pain is a highly trained Acupunture doctor. For suffers don't waste a minute. The first session he balance me, then the second session, he gently attacked the problem. The first time my jaw realigned in years and have not worn a night guard since and it has been 5 months.

Magnesium
Posted by Khloe R. (Fresno, Ca) on 12/23/2009
 ★★★★★

I had suffered from TMJ twice in my life and both times they were cured by magnesium. The magnesium in your body is usually depleted by stress. Magnesium is also what makes you calm, and can even help your bowel movements if constipated. I still take a magnesium supplement daily and have no problems ever since.

Frankincense Essential Oil
Posted by Mama to Many (TN) on 03/15/2021

Dear Cheryl and Esther,

Here is a link for the oil that I have used - it is a combination of frereana and carterii.

https://hopewelloils.com/frankincense-frereana.php

Also, I use Natural Calm magnesium.

~Mama to Many~

Magnesium
Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee, Usa) on 04/21/2014
 ★★★★★

Hi!

My daughter, who is almost 12, was having some pain in her TM joint. She would wake up with her jaw hurting. One day, it hurt so much she didn't go to choir practice. (She loves to sing so I knew it must be bad.) I went through this as a teen and young adult, ending with surgery, which I surely hope to spare her from. I checked here at EC and found that Magnesium helps many with TMJ. I got some Natural Calm and she takes a teaspoon in water before bed. It has helped so much! If she forgets, sometimes her jaw will hurt some. She has not missed choir in a month since starting on magnesium.

When she was younger, she did grind her teeth at night. (Perhaps she still does and I haven't noticed in a while.) I don't know if this is related or not. I did notice that magnesium was used for TMJ and Bruxism, which is why it made sense to me to try that first.

~Mama to Many~

Iodine
Posted by Deanna (Minnesota) on 03/15/2021

Is the iodine put in a drink?

Thank you

Oil Pulling
Posted by Smokymtnlady (Tennessee) on 11/19/2015

I want to share my TMJ experience. 16 years ago, my jaw locked up. I could force it open but only with a loud pop. I question my judgement now, but for whatever reason I went to the dentist about my locked jaw. He advised a soft diet and grinded bits off my molars to "adjust my bite". When this didn't work he recommended surgery. My friend begged me to go to her chiropractor before having surgery. The chiropractor got me straightened out in about 4 weeks by manually massaging the jaw, spinal adjustments and e-stim on my face. He also prescribed exercises I could do at home, and over the past 16 years, when I felt the jaw starting to stiffen up, I would resume the exercises for a couple days. Now my TMJ pain is back! But this time with nerve pain attacks that shoot from the jaw into my teeth and chin. A different tooth each time, or even all at once, so not a normal toothache. I am working with a chiropractor but I am also trying to correct my posture. (I read that there is a whole plague of neck pain from looking at our devices 2 hours/day.) Try to be mindful to relax the back of your tongue, this will help relax the jaw muscles. Also be mindful to position the weight of your head STRAIGHT above your neck, this causes almost instant relief on the strained jaw. Imagine a helium balloon tied to your occipital bone lifting it straight.

Good luck!


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