Nondrug therapies for TMJ disorders include:
• Oral splints or mouth guards (occlusal appliances): Often, people with jaw pain will benefit from wearing a soft or firm device inserted over their teeth, but the reasons why these devices are beneficial are not well-understood.
• Physical therapy: Along with exercises to stretch and strengthen jaw muscles, treatments might include ultrasound, moist heat and ice.
• Counseling: Education and counseling can help you understand the factors and behaviors that may aggravate your pain, so you can avoid them. Examples include teeth clenching or grinding, leaning on your chin, or biting fingernails.
Surgical or other procedures:
• Arthrocentesis: Arthrocentesis (ahr-throe-sen-TEE-sis) is a minimally invasive procedure that involves the insertion of small needles into the joint so that fluid can be irrigated through the joint to remove debris and inflammatory byproducts.
• Injections: In some people, corticosteroid injections into the joint may be helpful. Infrequently, injecting botulinum toxin type A (Botox, others) into the jaw muscles used for chewing may relieve pain associated with TMJ disorders.
Courtesy: Mayo Clinic
