What Is the Treatment of Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome?
Overview
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome is a common source of orofacial pain and jaw dysfunction. First-line management combines conservative self-care with adjunctive physical and behavioural interventions, and pharmacologic therapy when needed for pain control.
Treatment approach
The initial approach centres on conservative therapy and patient education — including dietary and behavioural modifications — alongside a range of adjunctive options such as physical therapy and specialised dental devices. Pharmacologic therapy is also part of the first-line regimen.
The complete sequenced regimen — including specific adjunctive and pharmacologic options, their indications, and clinical decision points — is available in the full protocol.
References
- Education and self-care; for example, patients should eat a soft diet, and avoid counterproductive habits such as excessive gum chewing or nail biting.
- Warm and cold compresses should be used at night along with gentle massage of the TMJ area.
- Patients should avoid jaw clenching and teeth grinding if possible.
- Dental splints or mouthguards may reduce pain by keeping the jaw more properly aligned and limiting nocturnal bruxism and teeth grinding.
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) has also been used to reduce pain.
- Low-intensity laser therapy has been shown to reduce pain in TMJ syndrome.
- In view of the role that psychological factors play in TMJ syndrome, measures such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and bio-behavioral approach may be beneficial.
- Pharmacologic therapy for acute and chronic TMJ-related pain includes acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
- Topical NSAIDs such as diclofenac can be used to minimize risk of adverse effects seen more commonly with oral formulations.
- For muscular spasms and teeth-clenching, agents such as muscle relaxers or even benzodiazepines may be used.
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