Cold Weather and TMJ: Does Cold Weather Affect Your Jaw Pain?

If you have temporomandibular disorder (TMD), you may have noticed that chilly weather aggravates the condition. While it’s not ideal, it’s 100% normal. You’re definitely not alone!

Often, the factors that caused TMD in the first place are amplified by frosty temperatures. Furthermore, coldness affects the body in multiple ways that can lead to new or stronger TMD symptoms that don’t occur when it’s warm.

Let’s take a look at why cold climates can make your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) painful, as well as steps you can take to get relief.

Why Cold Weather Jaw Pain Happens

The reason why your jaw hurts more during chilly seasons may depend on the root cause of your TMD. For example, if your TMJ pain is caused by bruxism, you may find that cold weather causes you to grind and clench your teeth more than usual. Or, if your TMJ pain was caused by an injury, cold temperatures may increase pain-causing inflammation.

That said, the cause and symptoms aren’t always directly correlated. In some cases, TMJ pain simply worsens because of the effects that cold weather naturally has on the body.

Here are the most common connections between cold weather and jaw pain.

• As the seasons shift into chillier temperatures, barometric pressure also changes, which can cause tension in the joints.

• Cold weather naturally causes the body to tense up and shiver. The resulting muscle tension can be painful.

• Cold weather and TMJ pain are related due to the jaw’s natural reaction to cold—clenching and grinding.

• Cold weather reduces blood flow to the jaw, making it difficult for the jaw muscles to stay relaxed.

Get Relief With a Dental Guard

Now that you understand why cold weather and TMJ symptoms go hand-in-hand let’s talk about solutions. 

First and foremost, the role of teeth guards in preventing TMJ disorders cannot be overstated. If you’re experiencing cold-weather jaw pain, there’s a very high chance that you have TMJ pain during warmer seasons, too, although it may not be as intense. Taking proactive steps to treat and prevent TMJ disorders will naturally reduce the severity of symptoms when it’s cold.

There are multiple types of teeth guards. If you’re experiencing TMJ pain while you’re out and about, you may want to wear one of our daytime teeth guards, such as our ultra-thin guard. Daytime guards provide fast relief, allowing your jaw to relax when you’re chilly.

You may also want to wear a night guard while you sleep. Preventing nighttime grinding and clenching can reduce cold-weather jaw pain by stopping the bruxism causing TMD in the first place. 

We offer multiple night guards, so you can choose one that fits the severity of your bruxism. Options include the soft night guard, soft durable night guard, hard night guard, ultra-hard night guard, or dual-layer/hybrid night guard. 

We also offer the double-duty teeth guard that’s designed with an innovative hard shell exterior and soft inner lining—it’s suitable for both daytime and nighttime use.

Other Tips for Managing Cold Weather and TMJ Pain 

Getting a custom-made dental guard should be your first priority. That single step can work wonders in nipping TMJ symptoms in the bud, and often for good. In the meantime, here are some other ways to alleviate cold-weather jaw pain.

• Stay warm. Avoid cold environments if you can, and be sure to bundle up when outdoors. Apply a warm compress to the affected area.

• Exercise and stretch. Exercising and stretching increases blood flow, helping your jaw muscles to relax. Full-body techniques can help, but be sure to focus especially on the jaw area.

• Massage. Massaging the jaw muscles may help reduce tension, improve circulation, and increase the range of motion of your joints. You can massage your own jaw, but you may want to schedule an appointment with a professional if the pain is severe.

• Adjust your diet. Eating softer foods can help to prevent the pain from becoming exacerbated. Avoid gum, especially. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids can soothe cold weather jaw pain caused by inflammation. Learn more here: Your Diet and TMJ Pain: Foods to Savor and Avoid.

• Reduce stress. Mental and emotional stress can lead to physical tension in the body. Try relaxation techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing.

• Stay Hydrated. Drinking plenty of water ensures your body produces enough synovial fluid, which provides lubrication and cushioning throughout your joints.

Order a Custom-Made Dental Guard Today

Don’t let cold weather and TMJ pain put a damper on your lifestyle! We’re a professional dental lab in Los Angeles that sells professionally made dental guards directly to our customers—skip the expensive trip to the dentist. Our custom-fitted dental guards can provide short- and long-term relief for cold-weather jaw pain, as well as TMJ symptoms all year round. Place your order today!