TMD Conservative Therapy Management
Wear a night guard- Night guards are custom fit plastic mouth pieces made by Dr. Volluz that fit over either the top or bottom teeth. Night guards prevent the upper and lower teeth from coming together, which reduces the effects of clenching and/or grinding the teeth. Over-the-counter night guards are not recommended due to poor fit and may possibly cause additional jaw discomfort from use.
Moist Heat- Moist heat from a heat pack or a hot water bottle wrapped in a warm, moist towel for 10-15 minutes. Be careful to avoid burns when using heat.
Ice- Ice packs can decrease inflammation, numb pain and promote healing. Make sure to wrap the ice pack in a clean cloth before applying to your skin, do not place the ice pack directly on your skin. Use for 10-15 minutes.
Soft Diet- Soft or blended foods allow the jaw to rest temporarily. Avoid hard, crunchy, and chewy foods. In addition, do not stretch your mouth to accommodate foods such as apples, corn on the cob, other whole fruits, or large sandwiches.
Over-the- counter pain reducers- For many people, short term use of over- the -counter pain medications or non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDS), such as ibuprofen, may provide temporary relief from jaw discomfort.
Jaw Exercises- slow, gentle jaw exercises may help increase jaw mobility and healing.
Relaxation Techniques- Relaxation and guided imagery can be helpful in dealing with pain associated with TMJ dysfunction. Deep, slow breathing enhances relaxation and modulates pain sensations. Some have found yoga, massage, meditation, and acupuncture helpful in reducing stress, aiding in relaxation and reducing pain.
Side Sleeping- Sleeping on your side using a pillow support between the shoulder and neck.
Relaxing facial muscles- Making a conscious effort to relax your lips and cheeks and keep your teeth apart.
Yawing- Use your fist support your chin as you yawn to prevent damage to the joint and prevent your jaw from locking open. If possible, avoid long dental appointments requiring and open mouth for more than 30 minutes.
TMJ Specialist- Dr. Volluz will refer you to a specialist for further evaluation if TMD discomfort is not able to be managed by the above methods.