While essential oils are mostly a modern fad, aromatherapy has been used for centuries to help treat all kinds of physical and emotional pains. Research does indicate that certain scents can soothe tense muscles, boost the immune system, combat inflammation, and reduce anxiety. So addressing TMJ-related discomfort with essential oils isn’t actually that far-fetched.
That said, there is a right way to use them and a wrong way. Consider this a complete guide to incorporating essential oils into your TMJ treatment plan safely and effectively!
Essential Oils are Beneficial – but NOT a Cure
It’s important to keep in mind that essential oils cannot cure TMJ pain. According to research, aromatherapy can improve the results of more comprehensive treatments like wearing an occlusal splint, equilibration, and BOTOX injections. But it cannot address a TMJ disorder on its own.
The first step to effectively using essential oils for TMJ pain, then, is to make sure you’re using it alongside medical intervention.
Using Caution in An Unregulated Market
Since essential oils are not proven to cure or prevent TMJ disorders, the FDA classifies them as “cosmetics.” Which means that essential oils are unregulated. There’s no legal standard for how pure an essential oil product has to be. Some companies use cheaper, less effective ingredients like vegetable oil or synthetic compounds.
Buyers have to be careful about where they get their essential oils. If the manufacturer provides test results verifying the purity of their oils, that’s a green flag.
Choosing the Right Scent
Different essential oils have different chemical properties. If you want to address a specific problem, you can’t just use whatever smells the best! For TMJ pain, it’s best to stick to these:
- Lavender Oil
- Peppermint Oil
- Eucalyptus Oil
- Frankincense Oil
Applying Your Essential Oils Safely
While you don’t want your essential oils to be anything less than 100% pure, some of them can be quite potent and irritating to the skin. When applying the oils, you’ll want to:
- Dilute them with a “carrier oil” – coconut, almond, and jojoba oils are excellent choices.
- Avoid sensitive locations like the eyes, inside of the mouth, or patches of broken, dry, or agitated skin.
- Talk to your treatment team before using essential oils. Some are not recommended for pregnant women or those with certain health conditions.
Essential oils can soothe the muscles and help ease some of the discomfort caused by a TMJ disorder – as long as you use them with care and remember that they don’t replace medical treatments!
About the Author
Dr. Tristan Parry has completed over 500 hours of advanced training under the instruction of some of the most prominent experts in treating TMJ disorders. As a qualified TMJ doctor in Summerfield, he’d be happy to help you develop an effective treatment plan and can provide professional guidance on the best way to incorporate essential oil therapy. To contact Dr. Parry for a consultation, call 336-644-2770.