How can bruxism cause headaches? Bruxism causes morning, tension, and migraine headaches via jaw muscle fatigue and trigeminal sensitization. Learn the types, triggers, and relief options.
Written by Ann C. McCulloch, MBA | Medically Reviewed by Bradley Allen Eli, DMD, MS
For most acute jaw injuries, ice is the better first choice in the first 24 to 48 hours, since it limits swelling and interrupts pain signals at the joint and surrounding muscles. After the initial swelling subsides, heat becomes more useful for relaxing tense muscles, improving circulation, and restoring jaw movement. Because TMJ pain often benefits from both effects at different stages, alternating ice and heat — rather than choosing only one — is typically the most effective approach.
If you have a jaw injury, you might be wondering, “Do I use ice or heat for TMJ pain?” While much depends on the type of injury or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) condition you have, using both is often optimal. Here we break down the rationale for using ice, heat, or both for TMJ pain.
Ice therapy (cryotherapy) is generally used in the context of an acute injury, such as jaw sprain or strain. When an injury occurs, the healing response comes in the form of inflammation. Healing is a good thing, but sometimes the inflammatory response sets you up for more pain in the long run. Here’s what ice can do for a jaw injury.
Heat therapy (thermotherapy) is generally used for chronic pain conditions, but it can be used in acute settings too. Here are some things that heat can do for your jaw pain:
Heat has also been shown to be effective for chronic temporomandibular disorders (TMD). A review of the literature on using heat for temporomandibular disorders found that heat treatment resulted in significant pain reduction, relief of muscle tension, and improved mobility of the TMJ.
The current thinking in the heat vs. ice debate for joint injury is in transition. The traditional approach is to ice an acute injury and to use heat for comfort and flexibility. However, several practitioners are now advocating the exclusive use of heat for joint injuries.
The treatment of TMJ pain is unique in that there is a priority on pain relief after injury. Interrupting the neural pathways from jaw pain after an injury may prevent a prolonged TMD from developing. This is important because people with acute trauma to the jaw have a fourfold increase in the risk of developing a chronic TMD, according to a 2019 study in the journal Pain. People recovering from a whiplash injury are at particular risk of this kind of acute-to-chronic transition, which is part of why early, aggressive pain control matters so much. Read more on how TMJ can cause neck pain.
Because both ice and heat are useful in their own ways for relieving pain, the use of alternating ice and heat is a sensible approach in the case of TMJ pain. “The key is to treat jaw pain aggressively up front so that we prevent the development of a chronic pain disorder. We use every tool we can in the early stages of injury to get pain under control,” explains Bradley Eli, DMD, MS, a specialist in orofacial pain disorders.
Here are some general recommendations for the use of ice or heat for TMJ pain:
Most cases of acute jaw injury (such as whiplash injuries or jaw sprain/strain) have a normal recovery period of two to four weeks. The calming and pain-relieving use of ice and heat is beneficial for a return to normal jaw function. Use this time to focus on stress relief and taking positive steps to promote healing.
We have outlined the use of ice and heat for TMJ pain, especially jaw and muscle sprain/strain. Now consider these additional important steps as part of a comprehensive approach to jaw pain relief:
The Speed2Treat® Home Healing Kit contains convenient hot/cold packs that are inserted in an adjustable neoprene wrap that fits the head, neck, or jaw. The kit also includes an anterior bite guard (an oral appliance worn at night, short-term use only), and a comprehensive 4-Week care plan designed to prevent the development of chronic TMDs. Start your journey toward TMJ pain relief with the Home Healing Kit today!
Most jaw pain following a minor sprain or strain responds well to ice, heat, and the self-care steps above. But certain signs suggest you need professional evaluation rather than continued self-treatment alone.
For acute jaw injuries, ice is generally more effective in the first 24 to 48 hours because it limits inflammation and interrupts pain signals. Once swelling has subsided, heat becomes more useful for relaxing tense muscles and improving jaw mobility. For chronic TMJ pain without active swelling, heat is often the more comfortable option.
Apply ice for no more than 15 to 20 minutes at a time, up to six times a day during the first 24 to 48 hours after an acute jaw injury. Always place a thin cloth between the ice pack and your skin to prevent cold-related skin injury.
Heat is generally reserved for after the acute swelling phase has passed, usually 24 to 48 hours after injury. If there is minimal swelling, light heat can be introduced sooner for comfort and relaxation, but ice typically takes priority immediately after trauma.
Yes. Because ice reduces inflammation and heat improves circulation and flexibility, alternating between the two captures both benefits and is a sensible approach for many people with TMJ pain, particularly after an acute jaw injury.
Most cases of acute jaw sprain or strain, including those following whiplash, resolve within two to four weeks with consistent self-care such as ice, heat, jaw rest, and gentle exercise.
Heat should generally be avoided in the first 24 to 48 hours after an acute injury, when swelling and inflammation are most active, since heat can increase blood flow to the area and potentially worsen swelling.
