TMJ Treatment Without Surgery

When it comes to looking for TMJ treatment, many people make the initial mistake of thinking that there is one universal solution for every TMJ sufferer. In fact, TMJ disorder is actually similar with every other medical condition in that the problem needs to be monitored or diagnosed on an individual basis, and treated accordingly.

Fortunately, most TMJ treatments are quite simple. Contrary to popular belief, surgery is not always necessary. In fact, many remedies can be done in the comfort of your home. Having said that, it is crucial that a proper diagnosis is made by a dentist or dental specialist. Routine dental visits are also important to monitor the TMJ symptoms and to make the necessary treatment adjustments.

There are a number of prescription medications that can help ease TMJ pain. However, remember that all prescription drugs should only be administered under the supervision of a medical practitioner or specialist. Some medical studies report that the right medications combined with jaw exercises developed to specifically stretch the jaw muscles can be effective in battling this condition. Unfortunately, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen may not always work to counter the effects of TMJ pain.

Besides medication, one easy way to treat TMJ disorder is to modify your diet. Until your condition gets better, stick with soft foods and stay away from foods that are hard or that require a lot of chewing like gum.

One easy diet tip is to reduce consumption of wheat and dairy, especially whole grains. Reducing foods and supplements with a vast amount of vitamin C or iron has also proven to be effective. Another tip is to increase your magnesium intake by eating more vegetables and beans.

For serious cases of TMJ disorder which involve jaw clenching and teeth grinding (especially at night), using a mouth guard (sometimes referred to as a night guard) may be beneficial. The soft night guard prevents your teeth from wear-and-tear as a result of tension caused by unconscious stress. Be aware, though, that night guards can aggravate sleep apnea symptoms. So, keep a close monitor on your sleeping patterns during the first few days of using a night guard.

In most cases, TMJ disorder is caused by stress, or rather the mis-management of stress. In this scenario, your dentist or doctor may not be able to help you using physical treatments, but may refer you to a psychotherapist. This is a good way to get to the root of your daily stress patterns. The psychotherapist will help you identify the source of stress, manage stress triggers, change behaviors and teach you relaxation techniques.

In lieu of major joint replacement surgery, your dentist may determine that your condition can be solved with regular dental treatments like balancing the biting surfaces of your teeth, replacing missing teeth, or replacing fillings or crowns. These procedures are relatively routine sessions that will not disrupt your daily activities.

When looking for TMJ treatment, remember that "going natural" is always a good first step to take. Eating the right foods coupled with jaw exercises can be the easy and effective TMJ treatment you are looking for.