Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) affects millions of people, often leading to chronic pain and discomfort. Finding the right treatment can feel like navigating a maze of mouthguards, painkillers, and conflicting advice. However, relief is possible, and often, it starts with understanding the root cause of the problem. In this post, we’ll break down the most effective ways to treat TMD so you can stop clenching, stop hurting, and start healing.
Defining TMD
TMD is a group of conditions that affects the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and surrounding muscles. The TMJ is the joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull. It is among the most complex joints in the body, able to move up and down, side to side, and forward and backward.
Some causes believed to be the source of TMD are problems with facial muscles, teeth grinding or clenching, bite misalignment, injury to the jaw, and arthritis. Common symptoms of this disorder include jaw pain, headaches, earaches, difficulty opening the mouth fully, and clicking or popping sounds in the jaw.
Treating TMD
Although more drastic treatment like surgery is possible, the prevailing method of addressing TMD is to use the most conservative, non-invasive methods possible.
Let’s take a look at some of the most effective ways to care for this anomaly.
Medications
There are a number of medicines that can help relieve TMD pain, including:
- Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen.
- For more severe cases, higher doses of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) can be prescribed to manage discomfort and swelling.
- Muscle relaxers can help ease spasms and pain.
- Tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline.
- Benzodiazepines, such as Valium or Xanax, can be prescribed for short-term use to help reduce muscle spasms and anxiety associated with TMD.
Home Remedies
Sometimes, good old-fashioned at-home care can effectively tend to TMD. Applying hot and cold packs to the jaw can alleviate pain, as can sticking to a diet of softer foods like soups, yogurt, and cooked vegetables. Some specific exercises to consider include resisted mouth opening and closing, forward jaw movement, and chin tucks. To perform a chin tuck, gently tuck your chin towards your chest, creating a “double chin.” Hold for a few seconds and repeat several times.
Professional Intervention
Dentists offer an array of ways to deal with TMD, including:
- Occlusal splint. These customized mouthguards are specifically designed to remove pressure away from the jaw joint. This appliance can also prevent wear and tear from teeth grinding and protect against TMD-related headaches.
- Equilibration/occlusal adjustment: This procedure involves making minor alterations to your teeth or restorations (crowns, bridges, etc.) so that your bite can relieve stress in your TMJ.
- TENS machine treatment: A Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) machine alleviates discomfort while treating the root cause. Electrodes are placed on your skin to send high-frequency electrical impulses to your brain to help interrupt pain signals. It typically produces immediate relief in your TMJ.
Living with TMD can be frustrating, but the right treatment plan can make all the difference. Whether it’s lifestyle adjustments, medication, or a combination of approaches, the key is finding what works best for you. Don’t ignore the signals your jaw is sending – relief is possible with the right support and care!
About the Practice
If you’re ready to get real relief for your TMD, Flenniken Family Dentistry can see to your needs with personalized oral appliances and multiple treatment options! Plus, financing is available through CareCredit to ease the financial burden and make your pain-free dream a reality. Our other services include everything from dental checkups to restorative dentistry to sleep apnea treatment, all done under one roof. To schedule your appointment, visit our website or call our Carlisle office at (717) 249-7777.
