What Are the Treatments for TMJ?

TMJ, the acronym for the temporomandibular joint, is commonly used to identify the joint and muscle disorder that is typically characterized by grinding of the teeth or jaw clenching. But there are many causes for TMJ and it often requires the expertise of a medical doctor, dentist, and ear, nose and throat specialist to diagnose. Treatment of TMJ is based on the symptoms presented. It may include home treatment, medications, therapies, relaxation techniques and surgery.

Home Treatment

• The TMJ is located on each side of the jaw and is made up of bones, muscles, nerves and blood vessels. It basically joins the lower jaw to the skull and controls movements of the jawbone. The TMJ is also what makes it possible to open and close your mouth, chew, talk and yawn.

  Minor cases of TMJ syndrome are treated with home remedies. A warm compress applied to the area of the face where pain is present provides relief and relaxes the muscles. If there is an injury to the jaw, use an ice pack for the first 24 to 48 hours to treat the swelling. Until the pain subsides, try to rest the jaw as much as possible by eating only soft foods, avoiding gum chewing and refraining from opening the mouth too widely when yawning.

  Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain medication, such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen or aspirin, is also recommended to ease inflammation and pain. If your TMJ is temporary, you will feel relief within two weeks.

Medications

• TMJ is characterized by pain in the facial muscles, ear, jaw, neck and shoulders. For pain that is more frequent, medications may be prescribed. Tricyclic antidepressants and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have been successful in treating TMJ pain.

  Some medications, like a corticosteroid drug injection or muscle relaxant, may be given for a short period of time to treat inflammation and pain. Another alternative for pain relief is a botulism toxin injection into the jaw muscles.

TMJ Therapy Treatments

• When teeth are out of alignment, pain can occur to the TMJ. Common causes of misalignment are grinding teeth while sleeping; clenching the jaw; chewing gum, fingernails or pencils incessantly; receiving an injury to the jaw; or aging of the jaw joint.

  When misalignment happens, you could experience problems biting, have frequent head and neck pain, hear popping sounds when you bite, or have your jaw lock up on you. In these situations, you might be given a bite plate or other form of mouth guard to wear at night. These devices prevent you from grinding or clenching your teeth.

  If TMJ syndrome is caused by stress, cognitive behavioral therapy may be recommended. It provides techniques to manage stress and ways to change behaviors that cause anxiety.

Relaxation Techniques

• Whether TMJ disorder is severe or occurs occasionally, your doctor or specialist may give you certain relaxation techniques to help relax, stretch and massage the jaw's muscles.

  In addition, stress-reducing exercises may be recommended. They include deep breathing, yoga, meditation, guided imagery and progressive muscle relaxation.

Surgery

• In extreme TMJ disorder cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the disk in the TMJ area, reconstruct the jaw or replace the jaw joints with implants. Orthodontic procedures to change or adjust the bite of your mouth may also be presented as an option.