The jaw joint, known as the temporomandibular joint, is a hinge that attaches your jaw to your skull. Whenever you move your jaw, you are using the joint, and when you chew you are using the surrounding jaw muscles. Damage or injury to the joint or muscles can lead to TMJ syndrome, which has some unpleasant and painful symptoms. Fortunately, TMJ can sometimes be self-treated at home, but if the disorder is severe or pain is constant, it’s a good idea to consult a doctor or dentist.
Preventive Measures
If you become conscious of bad oral habits—grinding or clenching your teeth, chewing gum frequently, or chewing on objects like pencils—you can stop these habits and decrease your risk of TMJ symptoms. You can also do your best to make sure you are not overusing your jaw muscles. For example, eat soft foods that are not sticky or chewy and cut your food into small pieces so that it's easier to chew.
Stretching and Massage
There are certain exercises that stretch and strengthen the muscles of your jaw, and massages can also be used to reduce tension in the jaw. Both of these can help with stiffness, pain, and lock jaw associated with TMJ. Make sure you learn how to do the exercises properly from a professional such as a doctor, dentist, or physical therapist.
Heat or Cold
Hot or cold compresses applied to the side of your face can help reduce pain from TMJ. Ice packs also help with the inflammation in your jaw joint and muscles.
Pain Relievers
You should first try to relieve pain with over-the-counter medication like Tylenol or Advil. If your pain is so severe that you need something stronger, your doctor can prescribe you muscle relaxants to be used temporarily or sedatives to keep you from clenching your jaw or teeth while you sleep. Sometimes tricyclic antidepressants are prescribed as well. Although antidepressants normally treat depression, some medications like amitriptyline can be used for pain relief as well.
Bite Guards
If the cause of your TMJ is due to teeth grinding or clenching, you may want to use a bite guard at night while you sleep. It is not completely understood why bite guards are beneficial, but they have shown to be a successful treatment.
Arthrocentesis
This is a procedure that is done to flush out and clean your temporomandibular joint. A doctor will insert a saline needle into the joint, and the fluid will remove debris or inflammatory byproducts that might be responsible for your pain.
Botox Injections
Botulinum toxin (Botox) can be injected in your jaw in order to treat TMJ. Injections should not be done often, but they have been known to relieve pain for some patients.
Surgery
In rare and severe cases, when the problem seems to be due to a structural problem within the temporomandibular joint, surgery to repair or replace the joint may be done. Surgery to treat TMJ is controversial should be avoided when possible—as it permanently alters the bone structure of the patient's jaw.
