TMJ Disorder Symptoms and Treatment

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder or TMJ is a very painful ailment that affects the jawbone. It is usually caused when someone gnaws their teeth during the night hours causing a sever strain on the nerves and muscles in the mouth. The pain can be tremendous, so a person usually needs to seek medical attention.

TMJ-Diagram
 

Often jaw problems resolve on their own in several weeks to months. If you have recently experienced TMJ pain and/or dysfunction, you may find relief with some or all of the following therapies.

  • Moist Heat. Moist heat from a heat pack or a hot water bottle wrapped in a warm, moist towel can improve function and reduce pain. Be careful to avoid burning yourself when using heat.
  • Ice. Ice packs can decrease inflammation and also numb pain and promote healing. Do not place an ice pack directly on your skin. Keep the pack wrapped in a clean cloth while you are using it. Do not use an ice pack for more than 10 – 15 minutes.
  • Soft Diet. Soft or blended foods allow the jaw to rest temporarily. Remember to avoid hard, crunchy, and chewy foods. Do not stretch your mouth to accommodate such foods as corn on the cob, apples, or whole fruits.
  • Over the-Counter Analgesics. For many people with TMJ Disorders, short-term use of over-the-counter pain medicines or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), such as ibuprofen, may provide temporary relief from jaw discomfort. When necessary, your dentist or doctor can prescribe stronger pain or anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxants, or antidepressants to help ease symptoms.
  • Jaw Exercises. Slow, gentle jaw exercises may help increase jaw mobility and healing. Your health care provider or a physical therapist can evaluate your condition and suggest appropriate exercises based on your individual needs.  A recent study found therapeutic jaw exercises bring earlier recovery of jaw function compared to splints! Click here to read the specific jaw exercises used in this study.
  • Relaxation Techniques. Relaxation and guided imagery can be helpful in dealing with the pain that accompanies TMJ dysfunction. Deep, slow breathing enhances relaxation and modulates pain sensations. Some have found yoga, massage, and meditation helpful in reducing stress and aiding relaxation.
  • Side Sleeping. Sleep on your side using pillow support between shoulder and neck.
  • Relax Facial Muscles. Make a concerted effort to relax your lips, and keep teeth apart.
  • Yawning. Use your fist to support your chin as you yawn to prevent damage to the joint and prevent your jaw from locking open.

In addition, avoid:

  • Jaw clenching.
  • Gum chewing.
  • Cradling the telephone, which may irritate jaw and neck muscles.

You may also try the following:
Pain Medications
Acupuncture
Splints
Occlusal (Bite) Adjustment
Injections
Surgery
TMJ Implants

It is important that the patient tell the dentist exactly what has been happening and how severe the pain has been. This will all be helpful in determining the amount of medication to be delivered to the patient, and for any other information that can help in the treatment of the ailment. Most people that have TMJ see a huge improvement in a short period of time. The medication and the exercises that the dentist will prescribe will help many patients to live a normal life free of the pain of TMJ.
How about you have you experienced the said symptom? Be careful as it might be serious.

Stay gorgeous everyone!

*illustration by DabawPinoy.com

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