The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge connecting your jaw to your skull. TMJ disorders (TMD) can cause:
Jaw pain and stiffness
Clicking/popping sounds
Difficulty chewing or speaking
Headaches and ear pain
Locked jaw (in severe cases)
✔️ Diet changes (soft foods, small bites)
✔️ Avoid extreme jaw movements (wide yawning, gum chewing)
✔️ Stress reduction (meditation, yoga)
✔️ Posture correction (especially for computer/phone use)
Jaw exercises and stretches
Ultrasound therapy
Moist heat/cold therapy
Massage techniques
Night guards (for teeth grinding)
Splints (to reposition jaw)
Bite correction devices
NSAIDs (ibuprofen)
Muscle relaxants
Low-dose antidepressants (for chronic pain)
Topical pain relievers
Corticosteroids (reduce inflammation)
Botox (for muscle tension)
Prolotherapy (to strengthen ligaments)
Arthrocentesis (joint flushing)
TMJ arthroscopy (camera-guided repair)
Open-joint surgery
Joint replacement
Seek professional help if you experience:
⚠️ Persistent jaw pain (3+ months)
⚠️ Inability to open/close mouth
⚠️ Significant chewing difficulties
⚠️ Chronic headaches/migraines
✅ Practice good posture
✅ Manage stress effectively
✅ Avoid teeth clenching
✅ Use ergonomic work setups
✅ Maintain regular dental checkups
Mild cases: 2-4 weeks improvement
Moderate cases: 3-6 months treatment
Severe cases: May require long-term management
Consider consulting:
TMJ dentists
Orofacial pain specialists
Maxillofacial surgeons
Physical therapists
Early intervention leads to better outcomes! If you’re experiencing TMJ symptoms, schedule an evaluation today to explore your treatment options.
Dr. Mehdi Abrishami is a highly skilled and renowned dentist specializing in oral and maxillofacial surgery in Isfahan. With a […]
Dr. Arash Azizi is a highly qualified dentist based in Tehran, Iran, with a robust educational background and extensive professional […]
Dr. Afrooz Javanmard is a highly accomplished dentist in Tehran, Iran, renowned for her expertise in dental prostheses and implants. […]