Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMD) Treatment

Smiling, laughing, chewing and talking are facial movements we make every day with little or no thought. But, for those who suffer from temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) those simple movements may cause pain and discomfort in the jaw, neck or face.The most effective tmd treatment for your condition will be determined by a health care professional who specializes in TMD. This can include an orthodontist, prosthodontist, otolaryngologist or oral surgeon. It is important to get a diagnosis before beginning any treatment because TMD can be difficult to distinguish from other ailments.

Fortunately, TMD symptoms can usually be relieved with conservative treatment. This includes self-care strategies such as eating softer foods, applying heat or cold, reducing chewing gum, clenching teeth and biting nails and addressing stressful situations. Additionally, physical therapy can help reduce pain and inflammation, promote tissue repair and improve or restore function.

When self-care and physiotherapy fail to manage symptoms, other treatments such as occlusal splints or intra-articular injections may be recommended. These techniques can provide immediate relief, but they are not a permanent solution for TMD. In addition, acupuncture and TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) are other complementary treatments that have been shown to provide relief.

Many TMD patients benefit from medications to ease pain and swelling. The most common type of medication is nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which can be taken as a pill or in the form of an ointment or gel. These medications are not a permanent solution, but they can provide immediate relief from TMD pain and swelling, and can allow for more normal jaw movement.

In severe cases, TMD patients often find relief from a class of medicines known as muscle relaxants. These medications are prescribed to slow or prevent muscle spasms, which can be a major cause of TMD symptoms. They also help to increase the amount of oxygen to the jaw joint, which in turn can decrease inflammation and relieve pain.

TMD is a complex disorder that can be treated with a combination of self-care, medication and physiotherapy. Symptoms can come and go, so it is important to keep track of them and seek medical attention if they become persistent or interfere with daily life activities. In addition, it is helpful to be aware of what triggers your symptoms and develop a plan for how to address them in order to prevent them from coming back.