Treatment
Treatment may include:
Lifestyle Measures
- Rest the jaw with a soft diet
- Restrict movement with smaller bites
- Apply warm packs for pain relief
- Cognitive behavior therapy may help some learn to avoid clenching and grinding their teeth
Medications
The most commonly used medicines include:
- Acetaminophen
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Muscle relaxants
- Low-dose antidepressants
Some medication may be injected into the jaw such as:
- Pain relieving medicine (eg, cortisone or lidocaine)
- Botulinum toxin (Botox)—may offer temporary relief if pain or clicking are major symptoms
Physical Therapy
To help reduce pain and allow muscles to relax:
- Gentle massage or stretching exercises
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
Stress Reduction
-
Some may benefit from counseling to learn stress management and relaxation techniques such as:
- Biofeedback
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
Dental Procedures
A splint or mouth guard can be made to relax your jaw muscles. This will prevent clenching and grinding of your teeth. The guard is usually worn at night. Correction of bite abnormalities by a dentist or orthodontist is sometimes needed.
Surgical Procedures
Surgical correction is a last resort. Many of the available procedures have not been well-studied for their effectiveness.
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2012 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.
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