Treatments
The key words to keep in mind about TMD treatment are:
- conservative
- reversible
Conservative treatments are as simple as possible and are used most often because most patients do not have severe, degenerative TMD. Conservative treatments do not invade the tissues of the:
- face
- jaw
- joint
Reversible treatments do not cause permanent, or irreversible, changes in the structure or position of the jaw or teeth.
Because most TMD problems are temporary and do not get worse, simple treatment is all that is usually needed to relieve discomfort. Self-care practices are useful in easing TMD symptoms, for example:
- eating soft foods
- applying heat or ice packs
- avoiding extreme jaw movements (such as wide yawning, loud singing and gum chewing)
Learning special techniques for relaxing and reducing stress may also help patients deal with pain that often comes with TMD problems.
Other conservative, reversible treatments include:
- physical therapy (focused on gentle muscle stretching and relaxing exercises)
- short-term use of muscle relaxers and anti-inflammatory drugs
Splints
Health care providers may recommend an oral appliance, also called a splint or bite plate, which is a plastic guard that fits over the upper or lower teeth. The splint can help reduce clenching or grinding, which eases muscle tension. An oral splint should be used only for a short time and should not cause permanent changes in the bite. If a splint causes or increases pain, stop using it and see your doctor.
