Curing TMJ
The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is one of the body’s most important workhorses, relied on nearly unconsciously multiple times each day for basic, vital functions. These frequent functions increase the amount of wear and tear on the bones in the joint; the fibrous disc that cushions the joint; and the muscles that support the joint in its work of speaking, yawning, chewing, and smiling. In some people, this wear and tear can lead to an inflammatory disorder in the temporomandibular joint. This disorder is referred to, in shorthand, as TMJ. In many cases, TMJ can be effectively managed without professional intervention, and it may even be possible to make the condition go away completely. If symptoms of TMJ interfere with your ability to function properly, however, or if symptoms persist for more than a couple of weeks, seek professional attention.
How Can I Treat TMJ At Home?
In many cases, TMJ arises because of destructive oral habits that subject the jaw joints to excessive pressure. These habits might include chronically grinding or clenching the teeth, chewing gum, or any other habit that comes with pressure and repetition. These behaviors can be addressed by using a night guard to protect the teeth while sleeping, or by modifying the habit that’s causing the syndrome, measures which are often sufficient to calm TMJ and ease its symptoms. Dentists recommend applying moist heat to the joint to help relax the muscle and relieve stiffness, alternating with cold compresses to reduce inflammation and reduce pain; these treatments are universally effective but especially recommended for patients with arthritis. There are several types of exercises dentists suggest for exercising the muscles in the jaw and mouth, which can help correct the jaw while reducing stress. For example, resting the tip of the tongue behind the front upper teeth while gently holding the mouth closed helps the jaw loosen while encouraging mindful, relaxing breathing. Ask your dentist for other recommendations that address both the cause and the symptoms of your TMJ, and, if symptoms worsen after doing these exercises, see your dentist.
What if TMJ Doesn’t Go Away?
If your symptoms persist, try over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. If none of these at-home solutions provide relief, see your dentist. You might receive a custom splint or night guard that can help support the jaws and prevent clenching while an inflamed joint heals. In more severe cases, your dentist could use transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, or TENS. In TENS treatment, a low-voltage electric shock is applied to areas of pain to stimulate the nerves, relaxing tension and relieving pain. If necessary, dentists may need to perform surgery to completely cure TMJ. Types of surgery commonly used to treat TMJ include arthrocentesis and arthroscopy, though more severe cases may rarely require total joint replacement. Fortunately, a significant majority of TMJ cases resolve when the jaw is given a bit of time to rest, though dental intervention is imperative if symptoms continue or if they interfere with day-to-day life. Such situations could lead to comprehensive, chronic medical concerns like radiating pain or malnutrition and should be avoided when possible.