TMJ

Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction, also known as TMD, is dysfunction and pain of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the surrounding muscles that control jaw movement.

Symptoms of TMD can include clicking or popping of the joint during use (chewing, yawning, etc.), jaws that get stuck in an open or closed position, TMJ pain, shoulder, neck or facial pain, as well as headache or earache. 

Use the following tips for two weeks to help improve TMD:

• Soft diet.



• Avoid extra chewing (No gum, mints, gummies, chewy candy, etc.).



• Don’t open wider than necessary. Practice placing the tip of your tongue to the roof of your mouth. If you open so wide that your tongue is no longer touching the roof of your mouth, you are opening too wide.



• When yawning, use your fist as counter pressure by placing it underneath your chin to avoid opening too wide. (You can also put your tongue on the roof of your mouth- see previous point)


• Ibuprofen or naproxen sodium can be used as directed to relieve pain and/or inflammation of the joint.



• Use a warm compress on the painful area for 10-30 minutes each night before bed. Once warm, gently massage your jaw muscles with your fingertips.

Symptoms of TMD can come and go, and can be painful. Although most symptoms can be relieved with those simple steps, if you do not find relief, Dr. Jackson can refer you to a TMJ specialist or physical therapist, depending on your needs.