DEFINITION:

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders is a condition that occurs when there are problems with the jaws or with the muscles that control chewing. The TMJ is the joint, located in front of the ear, on each side, that connects the lower jaw (mandible) to the rest of the cranium. It allows the three dimensional movement of the jaw to be able to speak, eat, and yawn.

SYMPTOMS:

The symptoms vary from discomfort to extreme pain that can last many years, more precisely:

•Pain, occuring while chewing, to the face, head, in the area of the joint, neck, shoulders, or ears.

•Limited capacity to open the mouth.

•Jaws get stuck open or closed.

•Cracking of the TMJ upon opening or closing of the mouth.

•Tiredness of the face.

•Inflammation of the face, more specifically in the area of the joint.

•Difficulty hearing.

TREATMENTS:

•Apply ice on the side of the face (in the area of the joint) for a few minutes. Stretch slowly and carefully the jaws by opening and closing the mouth a few times, followed by the application of a hot compress on the same area of the face. If possible, repeat three times a day.

•Eating soft foods (i.e. yogurt, cottage cheese, soup, eggs, fish, fruits, cooked vegetables, etc.). Avoid hard foods requiring opening of the mouth very widely.

•Take anti-inflammatory drugs (i.e. aspirin or ibuprofen, also known as Advil or Motrin). In more severe cases, the dentist can prescribe stronger medications.

•Wear a bite splint, preventing the upper teeth from touching the lower teeth (in cases of bruxism.

•Use braces to correct a malocclusion, that could of caused the TMD.

•Replace missing teeth with bridges, implants, or partials.

•Avoid yawning or chewing gum.

•Decrease the pressure on the muscles of the jaws,  by avoiding the bottom teeth from touching the upper teeth as often as possible.

•Reduce stress.

•Relax the joint and the muscles of the face by electric stimulation (TENS).

•If all other treatments fail, surgery can be considered.

SOURCES:     Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (www.wikipedia.org).

                            WebMD, better information, better health (www.webmd.com).