TMJ Conservative Treatment

Soft diet

• No chewing gum, biting on pens/pencils, biting into hard fruits or large sandwiches.

• Diet should consist of soft liquids that do not require chewing, such as protein shakes, smoothies, soups, yogurt, etc…

• As condition improves, other foods such as eggs and casseroles can be added.

• Keep your nutrition up and you should not lose more than 8% of your body weight prior to being placed on this soft diet.

Stress Reduction

• There is a direct correlation between stress and muscle tension.

• An evaluation of lifestyle and reduction of physically/mentally stressful activities plays a crucial part in treatment.

• Physical exercise, meditation, yoga, hypnosis, biofeedback, and counseling can all help reduce stress levels.

Moist Heat Application

• Apply for 15-20 minutes at a time, 4 times per day.

• Do not use continuous heat application. Use in intervals and spread throughout the day.

• Moist heat and hot showers should be followed by stretching exercises.

Range of Motion Exercises

• Place one finger on the top arch/teeth and another finger (from the same hand, simultaneously) on the bottom arch/teeth and gently stretch jaw open.

• Perform 4 times per day for 4 minutes each interval.

Splint Therapy

• Compliance with splint, especially at night time, is an important part of treatment.

• Flat plane splints that immobilize teeth and prevent clenching/grinding of teeth are effective.

• Along the same lines, your teeth should not be touching each other throughout the day.

• Keep the tip of your tongue at the roof of your mouth to help keep your teeth apart and lessen the loading on your joints.

  Medication

• Take medications as prescribed to you.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the office at 301-982-4555.