TMJ Treatment
in St. Louis MO

At-Home TMJ Remedies Recommended by Dr. Postol

For patients in the early stages of TMJ dysfunction—or for those experiencing intermittent jaw discomfort—home care techniques can play a major role in reducing symptoms and preventing long-term complications. Dr. Postol recommends the following lifestyle modifications and self-care techniques:

1. Follow a Soft Food Diet

Choose foods that require minimal chewing. Avoid tough meats, crunchy snacks, chewy bread, and sticky candies. Opt for steamed vegetables, soups, smoothies, yogurt, scrambled eggs, and mashed potatoes. Reducing jaw movement during meals helps decrease joint inflammation and muscle fatigue.

2. Use Hot and Cold Therapy

Alternating between moist heat and cold compresses can relieve pain and improve jaw mobility. Apply a warm compress for 15–20 minutes to relax tight muscles, followed by a cold pack for 10 minutes to reduce inflammation.

3. Avoid Excessive Jaw Movements

Repetitive or extreme motions—such as wide yawning, gum chewing, singing loudly, or biting nails—can worsen TMJ symptoms. Be mindful of your jaw’s range of motion throughout the day.

4. Apply Essential Oils

Natural anti-inflammatory oils such as lavender, chamomile, and eucalyptus can help soothe facial tension. Gently massage diluted oils onto the jaw and neck area for pain relief.

5. Practice Jaw Exercises and Gentle Stretching

Simple stretching and relaxation exercises can help restore flexibility and reduce stiffness. Dr. Postol can guide you on the correct movements that improve mobility without causing further irritation.

These home remedies can lead to noticeable improvement within a few weeks to a few months when practiced consistently. For many patients, they are enough to significantly reduce discomfort and prevent the condition from progressing.

In-Office TMJ Treatments with Dr. Postol

If home care does not bring sufficient relief, or if your TMJ symptoms are more severe or long-standing, Dr. Postol offers advanced in-office treatments at his practice in St. Louis. Each treatment plan begins with a comprehensive consultation and evaluation to determine the root causes of your symptoms. From there, Dr. Postol will recommend one or more of the following therapies:

1. Oral Splints and TMJ Orthotics

Custom-fitted oral splints (also called orthotics or bite guards) help reposition the jaw into a more relaxed and natural alignment. These appliances reduce teeth grinding, prevent further joint damage, and promote healing.

• Daytime splints are worn on the lower teeth. They are thin, discreet, and designed to minimize speech interference.
• Nighttime splints are typically worn on the upper teeth and protect against bruxism during sleep.

Splint therapy is one of the most effective non-invasive treatments for moderate TMJ dysfunction.

2. Trigger Point Injections

Trigger point injections deliver anesthetic or anti-inflammatory medication directly into tense or spasming facial muscles. This reduces pain, improves blood circulation, and allows the jaw muscles to relax.

3. Botox for TMJ Pain

Botox therapy is increasingly used as a treatment for TMJ and facial muscle pain. Botox injections temporarily paralyze overactive jaw muscles, reducing grinding, clenching, and the associated discomfort. It’s a popular option for patients who prefer a non-surgical, low-maintenance solution with results that last several months.

4. Physical Therapy Referrals

In more complex cases, Dr. Postol may refer you to a physical therapist with experience in orofacial pain. A physical therapist can provide guided exercises, posture training, ultrasound therapy, and manual techniques to improve your jaw’s strength and flexibility.

5. Moist Heat Therapy in Office

Moist heat application, such as warm packs or heat pads, is sometimes used in combination with massage therapy or stretching during in-office visits to relax the jaw muscles.

6. Medications for TMJ Relief

Depending on the severity of your symptoms, Dr. Postol may recommend prescription or over-the-counter medications, including:

• NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen for inflammation and pain
• Muscle relaxants to reduce jaw tension and spasms
• Anti-anxiety or antidepressant medications to help manage stress-related muscle tension

Why Choose Dr. Kevin F. Postol for TMJ Therapy in St. Louis?

With over two decades of experience in treating dental and neuromuscular conditions, Dr. Kevin F. Postol is known for his personalized approach, clinical expertise, and compassionate care. Patients choose Dr. Postol because:

• He uses state-of-the-art technology and the latest research-backed techniques.
• He prioritizes minimally invasive treatments whenever possible.
• He offers comprehensive care, from diagnosis to long-term management.
• He has successfully treated hundreds of patients with TMJ and facial pain disorders.
• He emphasizes patient education and preventative care.

Dr. Postol is deeply committed to helping patients live pain-free, healthy lives through conservative yet effective treatment plans.

Schedule a TMJ Consultation in St. Louis Today

You don’t have to live with chronic jaw pain, muscle tightness, or limited movement. With a variety of non-surgical, personalized options, Dr. Kevin F. Postol can help you take control of your TMJ symptoms and restore your comfort.

Gateway Center for Sleep Apnea & TMJ Therapy is conveniently located in St. Louis, MO, and welcomes new patients seeking relief from TMJ disorder, teeth grinding, and facial tension.

Call now to schedule a consultation or to learn more about our TMJ treatments.