How to Weigh Up Your TMJ Treatment Options

TMJ syndrome is a jaw disorder where the temporomandibular joint that connects the lower and upper law is dislocated or stressed.  This syndrome causes pain in the jaw, the ears, the face, the neck and shoulders and also causes headaches, blurry vision, stuffy sinus and toothaches.

For all the symptoms that it has, a multitude of treatment option advice can be provided by dentists and doctors alike.  These treatments range from anti-inflammatory medication, TMJ exercises, diets rich in anti-inflammatory vitamins and minerals, mouth guards to use especially for sleeping, bite therapy and surgical procedures to correct the TMJ problem.

Most TMJ treatment options are noninvasive and can be done at home if suggested by the doctor or dentist.  Treatments like diets and the exercises need to be done regularly in order to be effective.   In severe cases though, surgery may be the next step and usually the last resort to treat TMJ because surgery is irreversible.

Sometimes pain may be experienced in the jaw area while chewing or talking and there is no need for concern.  If the pain does not go away though, you must go see your doctor in order to get the proper diagnosis, if you really have TMJ and so the proper method to address the condition is laid out.

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Basically, medical practitioners advise on the noninvasive methods first.  There will be a change in diet from hard crunchy foods to foods that are softer and easier to chew so that pressure on the TMJ will be eased.  Food with omega 3 fatty acids like flaxseed oil and fish will be increased as the omega 3 fatty acid gives an anti-inflammatory effect and reduces swelling in the TMJ.

Magnesium and calcium rich foods are also added to the diet to strengthen the jaw bone and help it heal faster from the TMJ.  Exercises like moving the jaw from side to side and opening and closing the mouth should be done for up to five minutes five times a day to help build strength in the jaw.  These treatment techniques have to be done for a long span of time in order to be successful.

TMJ syndrome has also been rooted in stress and most commonly, people with TMJ do grind their teeth when they sleep and clench their teeth a lot when under stressful situations.

Mouth guards (something that looks like a sports teeth guard) can be worn throughout the day to stop the grinding and clenching of teeth.  Stress reducing exercises that can be found in books and over the internet can also be used so stress is released in other ways than teeth clenching.

If all else fails in the noninvasive department, doctors and dentists might recommend surgery which covers anesthesia wherein two needs are inserted to the TMJ to wash it out, TMJ replacement, TMJ disc repositioning, removing of the TMJ disc.

The temporomandibular joint disorder is a complex kind of disorder and medical practitioners offer a lot of treatment option.  Mostly, it starts with noninvasive treatments and only if they don’t work does TMJ call for surgery so look to your doctor or dentist for advice.