Mouth Guards

Treatment Options

For some patients, the disorders may disappear by themselves; for others, they may come and go, or may worsen over time. TMD disorders are often managed, rather than cured.

There are a number of ways in which TMD may be managed. Success likely will require you and your dentist working together to find the best approach that relieves your symptoms.

Treatment may involve a series of steps. The step-by-step plan will allow you to try simple treatment before moving on to something that is more involved.  Experts generally recommend a “less is often best” approach to treating TM disorders. This means that the simplest treatment that provides you with pain relief may be the best for you.

Things the patient can do on their own to alleviate discomfort:

• • Eat softer foods and avoid foods that cause symptoms

• • Minimize extreme jaw movements, such as yawning, yelling or singing

• • Avoid chewing gum

• • Practice relaxation techniques to control jaw tension, such as meditation

Things your dentist may recommend to relieve your symptoms:

• • Exercises to strengthen jaw muscles

• • Medicines to reduce pain and inflammation

• • A night guard to decrease clenching or grinding teeth