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TMJ (Jaw Pain) Therapy
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD, TMJ or TMD), or TMJ syndrome, is an umbrella term covering acute or chronic inflammation of the temporomandibular joint, which connects the lower jaw to the skull.
The temporomandibular joint is susceptible to all the conditions that affect other joints in the body, including ankylosis, arthritis, trauma, dislocations, developmental anomalies and neoplasia. Although treatment is often similar to other joints in the body, some variations exist.
Do’s and Don'ts of TMJ
When you come in for your visit, Dr. Watson will be able to create a personalized TMJ therapy regimen for you, but here are a few tips you should take into consideration:
1. Be sure to cut all foods into small, bite-sized pieces and try to avoid opening your mouth any wider than the thickness of your thumb (approximately one-inch).
2. Do not eat hard crusts of bread, tough meat, raw vegetables or any other food that will require prolonged chewing. This includes salads.
3. Do not chew peanuts, ice cubes, hard candies, etc. that are repeatedly milled between your back teeth.
4. Do not chew gum, bite your lips, clench your teeth or habitually chew the inside of your cheeks.
5. Do not thrust your lower jaw forward as in biting off a piece of thread, in applying lipstick, in smoking or through force of habit.
6. Do not bite any food with your front teeth. This includes sandwiches.
7. If you must yawn, limit the distance your mouth opens by pulling your lower lip over the edges of your teeth.
8. Make every effort not to strain your jaw joints unnecessarily by such activities as talking excessively, deliberately popping your jaw joints as one would pop the knuckles of his hand, leaning on the palm of your hand while reading or watching TV, etc.
9. Avoid talking on the phone with the same ear every time; alternate sides. Hold the phone with your hand, not your shoulders.
10. Try to sleep on your back. Avoid sleeping on the side of your face or on your fist.
11. During all times of occupational, marital or academic stress and also while waiting to fall asleep at night say to yourself “Lips together, teeth apart” over and over again.
12. Avoid long dental appointments that would necessitate keeping your mouth open for more than 10 minutes at a time.
13. Avoid any type of jaw trauma, even minor events like volleyball or playing with children.
This was re-written with permission from Dr. Barry Loughner, DDS, MS, PhD, a specialist in TMJ and headache care.
