TMJ and Methods of Relief

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) is a common condition that occurs especially during adulthood. The disorder often leads to chronic headaches, facial discomfort, fractured teeth and limited mobility of the jaws. As TMJ often mimics the symptoms of other medical conditions, it is often misdiagnosed, and only well-trained dental professionals are able to recognize the warning signs.

To keep the opening and closing motion of the mouth smooth, a soft cartilage disk lies between the bones of the upper and lower jaws. If the patient exhibits signs of bruxism (teeth grinding) or clenching, the disk loses its elasticity and slowly wears away. To remedy the condition, dentists may recommend bite correction treatments or mouth guards to protect the delicate structure of the mouth.

Several dental therapies at present are recognized as effective methods for TMJ pain relief. These include the following:

• Managing Oral Behaviors – The patient is instructed to self-monitor the position of the jaws to decrease the muscle tension. Excessive stretching and wide opening of the mouth will alleviate unnecessary stress and diminish any episodes of prolonged discomfort.

• Physical Treatments – Splints, hard acrylic night guards, and soft vinyl mouth guards are applied as part of the treatment to modify the occlusal plane (an imaginary surface related to the cranium bone). The patient is prevented from clenching and grinding, resulting in decreased pain episodes.

• Motion Exercises – During these exercises, the muscles are retrained to move in a coordinated manner, relieving the strain on the surrounding oral structures.

• Thermal Applications – Alternating hot and cold compresses are recommended in severe cases of pain. The expansion and contraction of the muscles allow the jaws to move in a vertical motion with an added benefit of extra lubricant release.

All methods of treatment may be integrated with each other along with the administration of drugs for accelerated relief.