TMJD Treatments
Most people with temporomandibular disorders have relatively mild or periodic symptoms which may improve on their own within weeks or months with simple home therapy. Self-care practices, such as eating soft foods, applying ice or moist heat, and avoiding extreme jaw movements (such as wide yawning, loud singing, and gum-chewing) are useful in easing symptoms.
Scientists strongly recommend treating TMJ disorders with the most conservative approaches possible. These are treatments that do not cause permanent changes in, or change the structure or position of, the jaws or teeth. Even when these disorders have become persistent, most patients still do not need aggressive types of treatment.
If your problems get worse with time, you should seek professional advice. However, first and foremost, educate yourself. Informed patients are better able to communicate with health care providers, ask questions, and make knowledgeable decisions.
The following are treaments often recommended to patients as well as helpful resources to provide guidance in making your health care decisions.
- Self Help Tips
- Pain Medications
- Acupuncture
- Splints
- Occlusal Adjustments
- Injections
- Surgery
- Jaw Implants
Recommended Resources:
- The National Institutes of Health brochure on TMJ Disorders (.pdf)
- National Institutes of Health Campaign - Less is Often Best in Treating TMJ Disorders
- The TMJ Association's TMJ brochure, A Resource Guide for Temporomandibular Disorders (.pdf)
- The American Association for Dental Research (AADR) Policy Statement on Temporomandibular Disorders
- Who Treats TMJ Disorders?
- Questions You Should Ask a Health Care Provider
- TMJ Questions...and Comments
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This website is for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This website is not a substitute for such advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always consult your doctor if you have questions about your health condition or before starting any treatment. The TMJA is unable to provide doctor referrals and does not endorse any particular health care professional or organization. Reliance on any information provided by TMJA, TMJA employees, others appearing on the website at the invitation of TMJA, or other visitors to the website is solely at your own risk.
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