TMJ is the abbreviation for the "temporomandibular joint", which is the joint connecting your lower jaw and your skull. The movement in this joint lets you open and close your mouth and chew from side to side. When the joint on one or both sides of your face is out of alignment or isn't functioning properly, problems can occur. TMJ presents problems ranging from mild discomfort such as popping and clicking of the jaw to debilitating pain such as headaches, migraine headaches, ear, neck and back pain. It can also be associated with grinding and clenching your teeth.
There are a variety of conservative TMJ treatment options. The first and foremost is your self-awareness of your grinding or clenching habit (oral stress) that can be controlled during the daytime. Home exercises and physical therapy are used in conjunction with the delivery by your dentist of a mouth guard which will help reduce the intensity and frequency of your oral stress and will protect your teeth from further wear and destruction.
The following treatments may be recommended for TMJ conditions:
Occlusal Splint, also called a night guard, which is designed to protect the teeth from further wear from the grinding. A night guard can also reduce the severity of grinding at night and allow the muscles to rest. In more severe cases of TMJ, your dentist may recommend that your night guard be worn all day and at night to allow the TMJs and muscles to rest.
Jaw Rest - You must rest your jaw for it to heal. The occlusal splint can help to some degree, but other steps should can be taken to increase jaw rest. No gum chewing, no nailing biting and elimination of any other non-functional jaw habits. Your diet should be fairly soft and it is recommended that you avoid chewy and crunchy foods during treatment.
Medication - Pain medication can be prescribed. In most cases, over the counter analgesics such as ibuprofen are enough. A dentist may prescribe stronger analgesics that require a prescription if warranted. These medications not only relieve pain, but can reduce any associated inflammation.
Stress Management - Both emotions and stress can play an important role in the symptoms associated with TMJ. TMJ may be a sign that you are under stress that you may not even be aware of. Finding the source of the stress and ways to reduce or eliminate that stress is very helpful to treatment.