Are Certain Vitamins Good for TMJ?

TMJ, or temporomandibular joint, disorders are characterized as tenderness, pain and discomfort on either side of your jaw. The TM joint is located on either side of your face just in front of your ears, where your skull and jawbone meet. Certain vitamin supplements can help reduce the symptoms associated with TMJ either by affecting your muscles directly, or by treating the underlying causes of TMJ disorders. Vitamin supplements are not meant to replace traditional medical treatment for any condition, including TMJ disorders. Talk to your doctor before using any vitamins for TMJ.

Underlying Causes of TMJ

TMJ disorders are usually caused by a blow or an impact to your jaw, joint erosion and arthritis damage. However, muscle fatigue and muscle tension can cause TMJ disorders, especially if you habitually clench your jaw or grind your teeth. According to the book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," the most common underlying cause of TMJ disorders is stress, which causes your muscles to tighten and can force your jaw out of alignment 1.

B-Vitamins

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Supplementing with B-complex vitamins can help relieve stress, which can treat the underlying cause of some TMJ disorders. According to the book "What to Eat for What Ails You," B-complex vitamins play a central role in maintaining healthy nerves and reducing stress that may cause teeth grinding and TMJ disorders 2. Taking 100 mg of each major B-vitamin several times daily can help alleviate stress.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an important antioxidant that helps your body combat stress and aids in the healing and repair of connective tissue that can be damaged if you suffer from TMJ disorders. According to Dr. Mark Allan Padolsky, vitamin C helps support collagen production, which supports your muscles around your TM joint. Taking 4,000 mg of vitamin C per day is effective in treating TMJ disorders.

Vitamin E

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Vitamin E lubricates your joints, helping repair tissues and relieve symptoms of TMJ disorders. Vitamin E can also help repair blood vessels that surround your TM joint that become damaged due to excessive grinding and overuse. According to Woman's Cancer & Disease Awareness, 1,200 mg of vitamin E daily can improve symptoms of TMJ disorders.