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TMJ disorders

TMJ disorders

Symptoms

  • Pain or tenderness in the jaw.
  • Sound-a clicking or grinding noise while eating or chewing.
  • Restricted movement of the jaw.
  • Difficulty in eating and chewing.
tmj disorder

Causes

  • Physical injury.
  • Arthritis.
  • Grinding or clenching the teeth during sleep.
  • Autoimmune diseases.
  • Dental surgery.
  • Infections.

Treatment

  • Medications.
  • Therapies.
  • Surgical or other procedures.

Medications

  • Pain relievers and anti-inflammatories: If over-the-counter pain medications aren't enough to relieve TMJ pain, your doctor or dentist may prescribe stronger pain relievers for a limited time, such as prescription strength ibuprofen.
  • Tricyclic antidepressants: These medications, such as amitriptyline, are used mostly for depression, but in low doses, they're sometimes used for pain relief, bruxism control and sleeplessness.
  • Muscle relaxants: These types of drugs are sometimes used for a few days or weeks to help relieve pain caused by TMJ disorders created by muscle spasms.

Therapies

  • Oral splints or mouth guards (occlusal appliances): Often, people with jaw pain will benefit from wearing a soft or firm device inserted over their teeth.It is a plastic guard that is fixed with upper jaw or lower jaw in order to relieve the pain.
  • Physical therapy: Along with exercises to stretch and strengthen jaw muscles, treatments might include ultrasound, moist heat and ice.
  • Counseling: Education and counseling can help you understand the factors and behaviors that may aggravate your pain, so you can avoid them. Examples include teeth clenching or grinding, leaning on your chin, or biting fingernails.

Surgical or other procedures

  • Arthrocentesis.
  • Injections.
  • TMJ arthroscopy.
  • Modified condylotomy.
  • Open-joint surgery.
  • Avoid overuse of jaw muscles. Eat soft foods. Cut food into small pieces. Steer clear of sticky or chewy food. Avoid chewing gum.
  • Stretching and massage. Your doctor, dentist or physical therapist may show you how to do exercises that stretch and strengthen your jaw muscles and how to massage the muscles yourself.
  • Heat or cold. Applying warm, moist heat or ice to the side of your face may help alleviate pain.