Help for tmj ear pain. TMJ Ear Pain Relief: Effective Strategies for Managing Temporomandibular Joint Discomfort

22.08.202123.07.2023 by alexxlab

How does TMJ cause ear pain. What are the most effective treatments for TMJ-related ear discomfort. Can over-the-counter medications help alleviate TMJ ear pain. Are there self-exercises that can reduce TMJ symptoms. How does massage therapy benefit those with TMJ disorder. What role do heat and cold therapies play in managing TMJ ear pain. How can lifestyle changes help prevent TMJ-related ear discomfort.

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Understanding TMJ Disorder and Its Connection to Ear Pain

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide, with women being nine times more likely to experience TMJ pain than men. One of the most common and troublesome symptoms of TMJ disorder is ear pain, which can significantly impact daily life and overall well-being.

Why does TMJ cause ear pain? The temporomandibular joint is located close to the ear canal, and when this joint becomes inflamed or misaligned, it can put pressure on surrounding nerves and tissues, resulting in referred pain to the ear. This connection between TMJ and ear discomfort often leads to confusion, with many people initially believing they have an ear infection rather than a jaw-related issue.

Key Facts About TMJ Disorder:

TMJ affects the joint connecting the jawbone to the skull
Women are more susceptible to TMJ pain than men
Ear pain is a common symptom of TMJ disorder
TMJ can cause difficulty in opening and closing the jaw

Over-the-Counter Medications for TMJ Ear Pain Relief

One of the simplest and most accessible methods for managing TMJ-related ear pain is the use of over-the-counter (OTC) medications. These can help reduce inflammation and alleviate discomfort without the need for a prescription.

Which OTC medications are most effective for TMJ ear pain? Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and aspirin are particularly beneficial. These medications work by reducing inflammation in the temporomandibular joint, which in turn can ease pressure on the surrounding area, including the ear canal.

Benefits of OTC Medications for TMJ:

Readily available without prescription
Quick relief from pain and inflammation
Can be used in conjunction with other treatment methods
Cost-effective solution for managing symptoms

It’s important to note that while OTC medications can provide relief, they should not be relied upon as a long-term solution without consulting a healthcare professional. Prolonged use of NSAIDs can have side effects, and it’s crucial to address the underlying causes of TMJ disorder for lasting relief.

Self-Exercises to Alleviate TMJ Symptoms and Ear Pain

Self-exercises play a crucial role in managing TMJ disorder and associated ear pain. These exercises aim to improve jaw mobility, reduce tension in facial muscles, and promote proper alignment of the temporomandibular joint.

How can self-exercises help relieve TMJ ear pain? By addressing the root cause of TMJ discomfort, these exercises can indirectly alleviate ear pain. They work by strengthening and stretching the muscles surrounding the jaw joint, improving blood flow, and reducing inflammation.

Effective TMJ Self-Exercises:

Chin Tuck Exercise: Pull your chin down to create a “double chin,” hold for a few seconds, then relax. Repeat several times.
Resisted Mouth Opening: Place your thumb under your chin and apply gentle pressure while slowly opening and closing your mouth.
Jaw Relaxation: Gently massage the muscles around your jaw to promote relaxation and reduce tension.
Tongue-to-Roof Exercise: Press your tongue against the roof of your mouth and slowly open your jaw without letting your tongue lose contact with the roof.

Incorporating these exercises into your daily routine can significantly improve TMJ symptoms over time. It’s recommended to perform these exercises multiple times a day for the best results. However, if you experience increased pain or discomfort, stop the exercises and consult with a healthcare professional.

The Benefits of Massage Therapy for TMJ Ear Pain

Massage therapy is often overlooked as a treatment option for TMJ disorder and related ear pain, but it can be highly effective in providing relief and promoting healing. Professional massage performed by a licensed therapist can target specific muscle groups and tension points associated with TMJ discomfort.

How does massage therapy help with TMJ ear pain? Massage works by reducing muscle tension, improving blood circulation, and promoting lymphatic drainage in the affected areas. This can lead to decreased inflammation, reduced pain, and improved jaw mobility.

Advantages of Massage Therapy for TMJ:

Reduces tension in facial and jaw muscles
Improves blood circulation to promote healing
Helps drain excess fluid from the ear area
Promotes overall relaxation, which can indirectly alleviate TMJ symptoms
Can be combined with other treatment methods for enhanced results

While self-massage techniques can be beneficial, seeking treatment from a licensed massage therapist specializing in TMJ disorders is often more effective. These professionals have the knowledge and skills to target specific trigger points and use advanced techniques that may not be easily replicated at home.

Heat and Cold Therapy: A Dual Approach to TMJ Pain Management

Alternating between heat and cold therapy is a simple yet effective method for managing TMJ-related ear pain. This approach targets inflammation and muscle tension, two key factors contributing to TMJ discomfort.

Why is alternating heat and cold effective for TMJ ear pain? Heat therapy helps relax muscles and improve blood flow, while cold therapy reduces inflammation and numbs pain. By alternating between the two, you can maximize the benefits of both treatments.

How to Apply Heat and Cold Therapy:

Heat Therapy: Apply a heating pad or warm compress to the affected area for 10-20 minutes.
Cold Therapy: Follow heat therapy with an ice pack or cold compress for another 10-20 minutes.
Repeat: Alternate between heat and cold several times throughout the day for best results.

It’s important to use caution when applying heat or cold to avoid skin damage. Always use a barrier between the therapy device and your skin, and never apply extreme temperatures directly to the skin. If you have circulation issues or diabetes, consult with a healthcare provider before using heat or cold therapy.

Lifestyle Modifications to Prevent TMJ Ear Pain

Preventing TMJ flare-ups and associated ear pain often involves making conscious lifestyle changes. By identifying and modifying habits that contribute to jaw strain, you can significantly reduce the frequency and intensity of TMJ symptoms.

What lifestyle changes can help prevent TMJ ear pain? The key is to minimize jaw overuse and reduce stress on the temporomandibular joint. This involves being mindful of daily habits and making adjustments to your diet and routine.

Effective Lifestyle Modifications for TMJ Management:

Avoid hard or chewy foods that require excessive jaw movement
Practice stress-reduction techniques to minimize jaw clenching and teeth grinding
Maintain good posture to reduce strain on the jaw and neck muscles
Use proper ergonomics when working or studying to avoid jaw tension
Limit activities that involve wide mouth opening, such as yelling or singing for extended periods

Implementing these changes may require some adjustment, but the long-term benefits for TMJ health and overall well-being are significant. It’s important to be patient and consistent with these modifications, as it may take time to see noticeable improvements in TMJ symptoms.

The Role of Oral Devices in TMJ Ear Pain Management

Oral devices, such as mouthguards and splints, play a crucial role in managing TMJ disorder and associated ear pain. These devices are typically custom-made by dental professionals to fit the individual’s mouth and address specific TMJ issues.

How do oral devices help with TMJ ear pain? Mouthguards and splints work by repositioning the jaw, reducing pressure on the temporomandibular joint, and preventing teeth grinding and clenching. By addressing these underlying causes, oral devices can significantly alleviate TMJ symptoms, including referred ear pain.

Types of Oral Devices for TMJ:

Stabilization Splints: Help prevent teeth grinding and reduce muscle tension
Repositioning Splints: Designed to move the jaw into a more favorable position
Soft Mouthguards: Provide cushioning to reduce the impact of clenching
Anterior Bite Plates: Help correct bite issues that may contribute to TMJ problems

It’s important to note that oral devices should be prescribed and fitted by a qualified dental professional. Over-the-counter mouthguards may provide temporary relief but are not tailored to address specific TMJ issues and could potentially worsen the condition if used incorrectly.

Advanced Treatment Options for Persistent TMJ Ear Pain

When conservative treatments fail to provide adequate relief from TMJ-related ear pain, more advanced interventions may be necessary. These options typically involve medical procedures or specialized therapies administered by healthcare professionals.

What advanced treatments are available for severe TMJ ear pain? The choice of treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity of the TMJ disorder. Options range from minimally invasive procedures to more complex surgical interventions.

Advanced TMJ Treatment Options:

Botox Injections: Can help relax overactive jaw muscles
Corticosteroid Injections: Reduce inflammation in the joint
Arthrocentesis: A minimally invasive procedure to flush out the joint
Arthroscopy: A surgical procedure to repair or reposition the joint
Open-Joint Surgery: Reserved for severe cases that don’t respond to other treatments

These advanced treatments should only be considered after thorough evaluation by a TMJ specialist. The risks and benefits of each option should be carefully weighed, and patients should have realistic expectations about the outcomes of these procedures.

In conclusion, managing TMJ-related ear pain requires a multifaceted approach that may include a combination of self-care techniques, lifestyle modifications, and professional interventions. By understanding the connection between TMJ and ear pain and exploring various treatment options, individuals can find effective strategies to alleviate discomfort and improve their quality of life. It’s crucial to work closely with healthcare providers to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses the unique aspects of each case of TMJ disorder.

How to Get Rid of Ear Pain From TMJ

Who Knew TMJ Could Be Such a Pain in the EAR?!

If you are a woman, you are 9 times more likely to experience TMJ pain than a man. One common symptom of TMJ disorder is ear pain and difficulty opening your jaw.

Do you want to learn more about TMJ pain and how to get rid of ear pain from TMJ? Keep reading to learn more about your facial muscles and the tips that will help you restore normal jaw movements without experiencing ear pain.

Over the counter medications:

One of the easiest things you can do to relieve ear pain from TMJ is to take over-the-counter medication for inflammation. This is a great option because you most likely already have the medicine to help, so you don’t need to get a prescription.

If you have pain in your ear canal, taking medication like ibuprofen or aspirin can help reduce swelling and ease your pain.

Self exercises:

When you have ear pain from TMJ, one of the best things you can do to treat this pain is look at the root cause. If you address your TMJ pain, it will likely relieve the pain in your ears as well! Here are a few self exercises you can do on your own to help relieve your TMJ pain.

First, you can try tucking your chin to your chest to improve your mobility. Simply pull your chin down, essentially creating a double chin, and hold your chin down. Then you can relax and repeat this exercise as necessary.

Another great exercise you can try is opening and closing your mouth with resistance. Put your thumb under your chin with good pressure. Then, open and close your mouth slowly and work against this pressure.

These movements can help relieve your pain and prevent ear pain from developing or worsening.

Massages:

Many people don’t consider when learning how to treat ear pain from TMJ is setting an appointment with a licensed massage therapist. Generally, this pain comes from inflammation, tension, and more.

Visiting a medical massage therapist can help you relieve this pain and reduce inflammation. In fact, getting a massage can also promote healing in your damaged muscles and relieve any tightness and tension.

Getting a massage from a licensed massage therapist can also increase your blood circulation. When you have increased blood flow, it reduces your pain and helps you relax. A massage will also help you drain fluid from your ears and will keep it from getting worse.

While some types of massages you can perform on yourself to help ease pain from TMJ, it is always best to visit a licensed massage therapist. They know the best techniques and can help you find immediate relief!

Additional Resource:

Do you want to know the best ways to treat TMJ? Read: How to Treat TMJ/TMD.

Sucking:

If you are experiencing a lot of pressure in your ears from TMJ pain, something that may help you is sucking on different foods. This can help you relieve pressure and can ease your ear pain.

Using a straw with your drinks can help. Otherwise, you can suck on hard candy, cough drops, or anything else you have on hand!

Heat and cold:

Using both heating pads and cold packs is a great way to reduce inflammation. If your jaw joint is inflamed, this inflammation can spread up your jaw and up to your ear. Alternating heat and cold can help reduce pain and stop the inflammation from spreading.

First, use an electric heating pad or some hot pack and leave it on your jaw and ear for about 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Make sure it isn’t too hot, so it does not burn you!

After using heat for 10 to 20 minutes, you can use an icepack in the same area for another 10 to 20 minutes. Whether you have an ear infection or ear pain from TMJ, you will find significant pain relief by alternating these packs several times a day!

Avoid overusing your jaw:

Finally, the best way to get rid of ear pain from TMJ pain is to avoid overusing your jaw. Using your jaw joint too much can cause more pain and inflammation to spread to your ear canal.

Some things that can lead to a sore jaw joint or TMJ pain are clenching your jaw, grinding your teeth, and even chewing gum! When you open and close your mouth too much, it can lead to your jaw locking up and causing pain when you eat.

To avoid overusing your jaw, you can try eating soft foods that don’t require too much chewing, avoiding gum and other chewy foods, and you can even do stretches and relaxation exercises to help your jaw relax.

Learning how to treat Temporomandibular Joint Disorder can help you prevent ear pain from TMJ!

Featured on Virginia This Morning:

Jana Powell recently sat down with Jessica Noll from Virginia This Morning to talk about TMD.

Schedule Your First Appointment Today!

Get Rid of Ear Pain With a TMJ Massage!

When you are experiencing ear pain from TMJ, it can significantly impact your daily life. Whether you go to an ENT specialist, also known as an ear nose and throat specialist, you can significantly reduce and prevent ear pain from TMJ if you follow these tips.

Do you want to learn how to get rid of ear pain from TMJ? Finding a licensed massage therapist can also help! At Attune Massage Therapy, Jana can help you alleviate TMJ and TMD symptoms with physical therapy, education, and more.

Contact our TMJ Specialist in Richmond, Virginia today to learn more about our medical massage therapy services.

For more information about Pediatric TMJ Massages, please visit: Pediatric TMJ.

This article should be used for educational purposes only (not advice, diagnosis, or treatment).

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What is The TMJ?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the bone that forms the side of the skull (temporal bone) and the lower jawbone (mandible), which is near your ear. This joint enables you to move your jaw forward, backward, and side-to-side. The main signs of TMJ disorder are a painful jaw and limited movement in the area.

TMJ Disorders

Although the causes of TMJ disorders are often unclear, discomfort in this joint can be caused by an injury to the jaw, arthritis, teeth grinding, excessive gum chewing, or a misaligned bite. There are three main types of TMJ disorders:

Myofascial pain: This is the most common type of TMJ disorder. It is marked by deep, aching pain in the muscles of the joint.
Internal derangement of the joint: This is associated with a dislocated joint or trauma to the jaw.
Degenerative disease: Arthritis is a type of degenerative joint disorder that can affect the TMJ.

TMJ Pain Characteristics

TMJ pain may be a dull, ongoing irritation or a sharp, searing pain. This discomfort may be more apparent when you move your jaw to talk, chew, swallow, or yawn. In addition to experiencing ear and jaw pain, you might also feel soreness along the side of your head, neck, temple, cheek, face, lower jaw, and teeth. Other common symptoms of TMJ also include:

A clicking/popping sound when opening the mouth
Locking of the joint
Difficulty opening the mouth
Ringing sound in the ear

Remember to consult with your doctor if your aching ear is companied by any of these symptoms.

Why TMJ Ear Pain Occurs

An aching ear is a common symptom for people with a TMJ disorder. Because the TMJ is near the auditory canal, pain and inflammation in this joint can affect the ear. A ringing sound in the ear, also known as tinnitus, is often a part of TMJ ear pain. An ENT specialist can examine your hearing and eardrum to determine if your earache is related to the TMJ.

What Are the Treatment Options?

Treatment for disorders of the TMJ depends on the cause and severity. If you are experiencing mild pain, your doctor may recommend some of these self-care remedies to reduce soreness and tension in the joint:

Eat soft-foods
Try relaxation techniques
Do TMJ stretches and exercises
Avoid chewing gum
Avoid clenching or tensing your jaw
Apply moist heat to the area

Anti-inflammatory medication and muscle relaxants can also help to relieve tenderness. A mouthguard may be a treatment option if your TMJ pain is caused by teeth grinding; this will prevent damage to the joint. Orthodontic appliances are a great way to correct the upper and lower teeth, as misalignment can result in problems with the temporomandibular joint.

Finding the cause of your ear pain is important because it will lead to getting the correct care. If your earache is a sign of TMJ disorder, the good news is that you can reduce pain and discomfort with a few lifestyle changes. Incorporate breathing exercises to assist with relaxation, which can ease tension on the joint. Speak with your dentist or orthodontist if your TMJ pain is related to an incorrect bite.

This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

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Jaw Pain In-Ear Device

Helps relieve symptoms of bruxism and other joint disorders.

An alternative treatment for pain and dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), located between the jaw and the skull, is the innovative Cerezen device. This small hearing aid-like device fits inside the ear and can be used day or night.

Dr. Luis Javier Arias Gallo, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon at Ruber Juan Bravo Hospital Complex, comments that “painful dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint is a common reason for visiting an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon”.

What is bruxism?

Bruxism is an unconscious clenching of the jaw that causes grinding of the teeth: this symptom most often occurs at night. On this occasion, the surgeon notes that “there are patients in whom the disease manifests itself only during the day, there are patients suffering from nocturnal bruxism, and in some patients the painful manifestations do not stop at all. ” That is why it is almost impossible to control bruxism on your own.

Doctors cite neurological and psychological problems as well as stress problems as the cause of this disease – and it is stress that most often provokes this disorder. According to the specialist, “psychological assistance is very important in the treatment of pain on the face and neck, but the problem must be considered from all sides.”

Consequences of teeth grinding

In addition to pain in the lower jaw, bruxism causes other problems:

Erasure of tooth enamel;
Headaches or migraines due to overexertion of the temporalis muscle located on both sides of the skull;
Deterioration of dental ligaments;
Discomfort of masticatory muscles and temporomandibular joint, as well as decreased mobility.

Cerezen device for the treatment of diseases of the jaw

Dr. Arias Gallo describes this device as “a small device that fits into the ear canals”. Curiously, the Cerezen device appeared almost by accident. One woman suffering from hearing loss and chronic jaw pain placed an incorrectly sized hearing aid in her ear, which caused her jaw to open slightly. The woman noticed that this helped her not grind her teeth, thereby avoiding pressure in her ear – so it was discovered that the device had an additional use.

Features of this device:

Ceresen therapy is a non-invasive treatment that does not require surgery;
The instrument is thick enough to apply slight pressure when the mouth is closed;
The device has a compact size for easy use during the day as well as during sleep.

According to surgeon Arias Gallo, “When clenching the teeth, the patient will notice a slight pressure in the ear canal, so he will prefer to keep the teeth as minimally closed as possible.” And most importantly, the patient will maintain the correct position of the jaw without thinking about it.

Advantages of the Ceresen method:

The device is approved for night and day use, although it is necessary to evaluate each specific case of bruxism separately. This method of therapy has a very important advantage over traditional treatment with a relief tray, which is usually used only at night;
The device is in the ear, making it invisible to others.

Mouthguard for the treatment of bruxism

Mouthguard is the most common treatment for bruxism in craniofacial dysfunctions. The doctor adds that “this treatment has been used for years and has proven effective.” But, unfortunately, there are certain cases where the use of a mouth guard is not appropriate:

Patients who remove their mouth guard while sleeping;
Patients who do not stop clenching their jaw even with a mouth guard;
Patients who cannot use a mouth guard because it is an aesthetic problem for them.

Masticatory muscle relaxation can be taught!

Biofeedback, or biofeedback, demonstrates to patients how they use their muscles to chew. The surgeon explains that “during an electromyography session, the patient sees the electrical activity of the masticatory muscles on the screen, and learns to relax them. ” The doctor also adds that “this is an expensive and still experimental treatment, which ultimately depends on whether the patient learns to keep these muscles relaxed throughout the day.”

Treatment of TMJ (joint dysfunction)

Description Symptoms Methods of treatment Prices Answers to questions

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Treatment terms from 1 month

TMJ dysfunction is a fairly common pathology today, since it is largely caused by stress factors. Here it can be difficult to understand what is primary, what is secondary, because people with joint dysfunction come, as a rule, with bite pathology, pathology of the musculoskeletal system (curvature of the spine, neck). Therefore, joint treatment is a complex story. It happens that the primary pathology is the pathology of the joint, it happens that the musculoskeletal system.

Causes of TMJ dysfunction

The orthodontist must find out what was primary – bite, misalignment of teeth or missing teeth, perhaps not very successful orthodontic treatment in history, early treatment when they were children or adolescents and subsequent treatment could be the cause. It is important to correctly diagnose.

Comprehensive treatment of the TMJ

When the doctor has determined the cause of the joint pathology, or causes, he determines the patient’s readiness for a comprehensive treatment plan. In addition to the orthodontist, an osteopath or a chiropractor, or even an orthopedist, can be involved if a more complex correction of the musculoskeletal system is needed.

The patient must be aware that it is possible to align the jaw with a splint or splint, but not solve the problem of malocclusion. Orthodontic treatment is required to correct the bite. If you have already had orthodontic treatment before, then it is more difficult to decide on a second treatment.

Therefore, the problem with the joint is first solved by means of a splint or joint splint, then the bite is corrected, and, if necessary, prosthetics. In parallel, work is underway with an osteopath to restore the muscular corset of the back and neck.

It happens that a patient refuses treatment with braces after resolving a problem with a joint. In this case, we warn him about the need to wear an articular splint constantly in order to avoid the appearance of old problems with the TMJ. After all, a relapse can happen against a background of stress quite quickly.

What are the symptoms of TMJ dysfunction?

Soreness or pain in one or both TMJs at rest or when opening the mouth.
Crackling, clicking, crepitus and other noises in the area of one or both TMJs when opening the mouth.
History of TMJ injuries (previously), incl. dislocation, subluxation, chronic subluxation.
Restrictions in the mobility of the TMJ, restriction in opening the mouth.
Excessive masticatory muscle tone, bruxism (“grinding” of teeth during sleep, at rest).
Asymmetry of chin, lips, frenulum of lips, asymmetry of mouth opening, S-shaped opening.
Suspicion of the presence of a forced position of the lower jaw.>

The presence of one or more of the above symptoms may indicate TMJ dysfunction.

Conventional orthodontic treatment does not address TMJ dysfunction. In the process of orthodontic treatment, the severity of dysfunction may not change, decrease or increase. At the moment, in the world scientific orthodontic literature there is no convincing data on the relationship between orthodontic treatment and the state of the TMJ. Deterioration of the joint after treatment may not be related to this treatment.

Please note! Even in the absence of visible clinical manifestations of joint dysfunction, there may be hidden disorders that require special diagnostics to identify them.

If there is a forced incorrect position of the lower jaw, its position may change during treatment with a change and complication of the treatment plan (the need to extract individual teeth, an increase in the duration of treatment). A reliably forced position cannot be diagnosed by traditional orthodontic methods; to check its presence, as a rule, a special analysis is required (manual functional analysis, determination of the central ratio of the jaws), the use of a special articular splint for a period of several months, which, however, does not give a 100% guarantee.

For detailed joint diagnostics, clarification of the specifics of your case, further production of the joint splint, you can make an appointment with a dentist-orthodontist who deals with the issue of TMJ dysfunction.

TMJ dysfunction is a chronic condition that can be managed but not cured (i.e. it is possible to eliminate the symptoms, however, the pathological changes in the joints, if they have already occurred, are likely to persist).

What happens if TMJ dysfunction is not treated?

If the dysfunction is not treated, the body’s compensatory capabilities may be exhausted sooner or later, the symptoms will worsen, the pathology will begin to progress, causing more discomfort (sometimes for several years), thereby affecting the deterioration of the function of the dentition.

In order to try to prevent this and treat the individual temporomandibular joint structure and function, patients are usually offered the following approach.

Structure of the TMJ

Method of treatment of TMJ dysfunction

1. Diagnosis of TMJ dysfunction.

During the diagnosis of the joint in the clinic, a number of measurements and tests are carried out, all sensations in the joint area are recorded (discomfort, clicks, pain, jaw deviation when opening and closing), the difference in sensations in the right and left joints.
The orthodontist also takes casts of the jaws and takes photographs of the face and intraoral photographs, as well as a three-dimensional computed tomography of the face (3D CT), if necessary, the doctor can give a referral for an additional study – magnetic resonance imaging of the TMJ (MRI).
Often, an orthodontist, in addition to manual functional analysis, conducts a visual assessment: posture, symmetry of the shoulder girdle, shoulder blades, hip bone structures, etc. , performs the necessary tests, photographs. According to the results, it is possible to appoint an appointment for a consultation with an osteopath or a chiropractor for joint management of the patient. Allied specialists (orthopedist, surgeon, periodontist) can also be involved in the preparation of the treatment plan.

What exercises are prescribed to patients to normalize the work and relax the masticatory muscles?

Exercise No. 1

Draw a vertical line on the mirror with a marker, stand opposite, so that the line divides the face into right and left halves, place your fingers on the area of the articular heads, lift your tongue up and back, open and close your mouth along the line (it may not work right away), 2-3 times / day, 30 repetitions enii. You do not need to open your mouth wide (comfortable width), the main thing is symmetrically (so that the jaw does not “move out” in any direction). If there is a click, open until it clicks.

Exercise No. 2 (cycle)

Do it whenever possible, for example, in front of the TV, at the computer, in a traffic jam while driving. Open – close your mouth without closing your teeth for 30 seconds, then reach your tongue alternately to the right, then to the left cheeks for 30 seconds. Open again – close your mouth, then for 30 seconds move your tongue in a circle inside the vestibule (behind the lips), first in one direction, then in the other direction (clockwise – counterclockwise), open again – close your mouth, etc. During this half-hour cycle, the teeth should not touch, the lips should be closed. If you want to close your mouth or take a sip, put your tongue between your teeth. Repeat the cycle for 20-30 minutes 2-3 times/day

2. Occlusal therapy for TMJ dysfunction

After the diagnosis, the patient is booked to the orthodontist for an appointment to determine the central ratio of the jaws (“true” position of the lower jaw, the position in which your joint and masticatory muscles will be most comfortable).

In order to more precisely establish and fix this position, an occlusal splint (splint) will be individually made for the patient from a special plastic that is erased as it is worn. The tire must be worn constantly (sleep, talk, eat in it if possible) – this is the meaning of occlusive therapy, which will help the joint and masticatory muscles to reorganize into the most comfortable functional state.

Cleaning and caring for the tire is very simple – after eating (as well as while brushing your teeth) clean with a soft brush with toothpaste or soap.

3. Installation of a bracket system for a patient with TMJ dysfunction

Installation of a bracket system on the upper jaw is carried out after an average of 3 months of occlusive therapy. The splint is adjusted once every 1-2 weeks, or at the discretion of the doctor, until the main complaints from the TMJ are eliminated (in parallel with the alignment of the teeth in the upper jaw), then the bracket system is installed on the lower jaw with partial reduction (grinding) of the interfering parts of the occlusal splint, or complete removal. Here the patient needs to be patient – the process can take several months.

At the same time, the new position of the lower jaw is monitored: repeated manual functional analysis, photometry, bite registration is possible, computed tomography of the face during treatment, continuation of orthodontic treatment on a bracket system.

Upon completion of orthodontic treatment, the final control of the position of the lower jaw follows (manual functional analysis, photometry, bite registration, 3D CT of the face upon completion (after) treatment).

Splint

Joint splint with braces

TMJ dysfunction treatment result

The treatment result is a satisfactory aesthetic result, full occlusion with multiple even fissure-tubercular contacts and elimination or reduction of TMJ dysfunction. Mandatory, if indicated, is a full-fledged rational prosthetics or functional and aesthetic restoration of teeth, as the final stage of treatment – at this stage, a detailed consultation of an orthopedic dentist is necessary.