TMJ Disorders

How is TMJD treated?

In most cases, the symptoms of TMJ disorders can be treated with self-care practices at home. To ease the symptoms of TMJ you can:

• eat soft foods
• use ice to reduce swelling
• reduce jaw movements
• avoid chewing gum and tough foods (like beef jerky)
• reduce stress
• use jaw-stretching exercises to help improve jaw movement

You may need help from your doctor if your symptoms don’t improve with these treatments. Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may prescribe or recommend the following:

• pain medications (such as ibuprofen)
• medications to relax the muscles of the jaw (such as Flexeril, Soma, or Valium)
• medications to help reduce swelling in the jaw (corticosteroid drugs)
• stabilization splints or bite guards to prevent teeth grinding
• Botox to reduce tension in the muscle and nerves of the jaw
• cognitive behavioral therapy to help reduce stress

In rare cases, your doctor may recommend surgery or other procedures to treat your condition. Procedures can include:

• corrective dental treatment to improve your bite and align your teeth
• arthrocentesis, which removes fluid and debris from the joint
• surgery to replace the joint

Procedures used to treat this condition may, in some cases, make your symptoms worse. Talk to your doctor about the potential risks of these procedures.