TMJ Pain Treatment

If you are experiencing tinnitus, ear pain, jaw joint clicking when you yawn or munch on food, neck pain, or unusual headaches when you clench your jaw, then you are suffering from a TMJ dysfunction.

The common TMJ disorder causes include the following:

• Jaw pain associated with bruxism or teeth grinding during your sleep;
• Acquired after an injury or accident;
• Stiffness caused by poor sleeping and sitting habits;
• Your posture when you stand or sit, especially during long hours of work;
• Jaw joint stiffness and inflammation;
• Certain medical conditions involving the jawbones and lower face structures;
• Jaw clenching when you feel the stress;
• Jaw muscles spasm after a dental procedure;
• The type of food you eat like hard nuts or meat;
• When you tend to chew on ice cubes;
• Extreme climate; and
• Extremely hot or cold foods and beverages.

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are becoming more and more prevalent in today’s society. Thus, it may be best to know the associated signs and symptoms of TMD.

Here are the common symptoms of TMJ disorders:

• Sore jaw;
• Occasional dizziness and nausea accompanied by some pain at the back of the head;
• Headaches which sometimes lead to migraines;
• Sinus conditions and other issues affecting the nose;
• Toothaches and other dental conditions;
• Severe pain caused by sleep bruxism;
• Locking jaw;
• Neck pain which may be similar to a stiffed neck;
• Swelling of the mouth and lower face;
• A stinging sound that bothers the ear and may also result in ear pain;
• Back pains;
• Clicking jaw or when the mandibular disc rubs on the bone;
• Wrong or improper bite;
• Difficulty in swallowing food;
• When you feel like you cannot open your mouth fully;
• You feel pain when chewing or yawning; and
• Facial tension.

There are several treatments available to alleviate pain caused by TMD. In most cases, your doctor or dentist will evaluate the severity and the causes of TMJ pain. Symptoms of TMJ dysfunction will also be considered to ensure that you get the treatment that will directly address your TMJ woes.

Here are the most common TMJ treatment options available in Melbourne:

Botox

This consist of Botulinum toxin that works by blocking the nerve signals directed to the jaw muscles. When these signals are blocked, the jaws are prevented from excessively clenching. This treatment is best applied for TMJ or jaw pain caused by bruxism or teeth grinding.

Physiotherapy

This involves a series of jaw exercise routines recommended by your physiotherapist, doctor or dentist. This can help ease the tension accumulated in your jaw structures which include jaw muscle, nerve, blood vessels and bone.

Occlusal Splint Therapy

This uses a dental appliance worn primarily at night during your sleep. An occlusal splint is a hard piece of plastic that is customised to embrace your teeth. It works to prevent your jaws from clenching or your teeth from grinding.

When diligently worn at night, your jaw and facial muscles tend to relax and exhibit less tension compared to when your upper and lower jaws and teeth are clenched together. Thus, getting the necessary relief that you deserve.

Anti-Wrinkle Injections

Similar to Botox, these injectables, offer relief to pain caused by TMJ dysfunction. The purified protein contents of anti-wrinkle injections block the neurotransmitters sent to the masseters. When this happens, TMD pain management becomes more optimum for patients.

Myotherapy

This physical therapy is offered by trained professionals in providing facial and TMJ massages. The routines in myotherapy are somewhat similar to physiotherapy. However, myotherapists are dedicated to offering great muscular relief. They underwent comprehensive training and studies to address the source of TMJ pain.

Traditional Surgery

Surgery has been one of the oldest techniques in alleviating TMJ disorder conditions. However, it can alleviate not just jaw pain but also the discomforts brought by locking jaws.

Jaw pain resulting from TMJ disorder can be cumbersome. It can affect your focus and day-to-day living, your health and your overall well-being. Sometimes, the pain can be immeasurable. Thus, it is best to contact your trusted doctors, therapists, dentists and other TMJ specialists for a consultation or appointment.

During your consultation, your doctor will evaluate the condition of your TMJ and the severity of pain and discomfort. Your health and medical history will also be taken into consideration at this time.

After a careful assessment and diagnosis, your doctor may recommend you to a dentist, therapist or TMJ specialist depending on the symptoms and causes of TMJ.

Whether your TMJ can be treated by physiotherapy or through a dental procedure, the aim is to help alleviate the pain and discomfort that you are experiencing.

Many skin dentists, clinics and specialists still offer their services despite the pandemic. Some also offer phone or online services to ensure that you get immediate attention.

TMJ disorder should not be taken for granted. Thus, remember to contact your trusted clinic or dentist in Melbourne for medical advice before delving into home care medications.

If you want to treat TMD in the comfort of your home, you may want to try the following:

Physiotherapy

These are TMJ-related exercises that you can comfortably execute at home. However, patients should remember to consult their TMD therapist for the most ideal routine. Your physiotherapy routine aims to reduce TMJ pain, including discomforts in the neck, ear, head, and other facial structures affected by TMD.

Here are some exercises that may be included in your therapy:

• Relaxed jaw exercise;
• Forward jaw movement;
• Chin tucks;
• Goldfish exercise;
• Side to side jaw movement;
• Resisted closing and opening of the mouth; and
• Tongue up exercises.

Soft Diet

TMD causes include the food you eat, especially when they are hard to chew and bite. Thus, you may be advised to eat softer food. When you chew less or when your mouth is relaxed while eating, you can experience lesser symptoms of TMJ.

Cold or Heat Therapy

Patients can do this by applying a moist heat pack or cooling gel pad to their jaws for about 15 minutes a few times each day. A patient may choose between cold or heat therapy. In some cases, you may choose to apply them alternatingly.

Stress Management

For TMJ patients can practice therapy, treatment or techniques that can help lower their stress levels. This may include 10-minute walking, breathing exercises, self-organization, meditation and other mind-related routines.

Wear a Mouthguard

If your TMJ pain roots from your teeth or other dental structures, your dentist may recommend the use of a mouth or a nightguard. This is an appliance worn on either the upper or lower teeth or even both. Wearing a mouthguard can also help alleviate pain in the head and neck.

Correct Your Poor Posture

One of the best ways to reduce TMJ pain that you can do any time of the day is to observe good posture.

There are many dental clinics and TMJ treatment specialists located across Australia. However, for the best Melbourne clinic you can trust, visit SKIN CLUB Cosmetic Doctors near you. We have a dedicated team of doctors who aim to treat your TMJ disorder.

For an appointment, you may contact or call our clinic today. You may get in touch with us even during this time of the COVID pandemic. Call us by phone or book your consultation via our online channels.

When headaches are ear to ear due to TMJ disorders, visit SKIN CLUB Cosmetic Doctors in Melbourne today!