Because there is no known “cure” for TMD, management of patients with TMD symptoms is similar to management of patients with other orthopedic or rheumatologic disorders. The goals of TMD management include decrease in pain, decrease in adverse pressure on the jaw joints, and restoration of function of the jaw and normal daily activities.
Treatment of TMD is generally very conservative. Dr. Simmons uses management techniques such as behavior modification (stress management), physical therapy, medications, jaw exercises and orthopedic appliances. These practices have proven to be safe and effective in the majority of TMD cases. Most patients suffering from TMD achieve good long-term relief with these conservative and reversible therapies.
There are also some treatments that patients should practice at home.
- Limit jaw opening (yawning, etc.).
- Rest of the jaw by avoiding heavy chewing (gum, bagels, tough meat)
- Avoid grinding and clenching of teeth by keeping the teeth slightly apart and the jaw relaxed
- Avoid leaning on or sleeping on the jaw
- Avoid tongue thrusting and chewing non-food items (fingernails, pens, pencils, etc.)
- Avoid playing wind, brass and string musical instruments that stress, retrude or strain the jaw
- Massage of the affected muscles
- Perform gentle range-of-motion exercise of the jaw as directed by your doctor or therapist
