About this topic
The temporomandibular joint is also called the TMJ. It is the joint in front of your ear. It connects your lower jaw to the side of your head. This joint is flexible and lets the jaw move up and down and side to side so you can talk, chew, and yawn. When you have a problem with your jaw, jaw joint, or other facial muscles you have temporomandibular disorder or TMD. Injury to your jaw, grinding or clenching your teeth, arthritis, and stress are all causes of TMD. Doctors treat this problem with drugs, mouth guards, and therapy. Sometimes, surgery is needed to remove fluid in the joint. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Eat soft foods to lessen the pain in your jaw.
- Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel over the painful part. Never put ice right on your skin. Do not leave the ice on for more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
- Avoid strong movements of your jaw like wide yawning, loud singing, and gum chewing.
- Your doctor may teach you ways to relax and lower stress.
- Do jaw stretching and relaxing exercises to help with jaw movement.
- Wear a bite guard to lessen the effects of clenching or grinding your teeth.
- Visit your dentist to check for any problems with your teeth.
- Keep your teeth slightly apart to lessen pressure on your jaw.
If fluid was removed from the joint: ‚
- Clean and change your bandage as told by your doctor.
- Ask your doctor when you may go back to your normal activities like work or driving.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- Your doctor may have you see a therapist.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
Will physical activity be limited?
- You may have to limit your activities. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you.
- Do not play sports that might cause more harm to your jaw. Ask your doctor when it is safe to play sports.
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Use protective headgear like helmets or mouthguards when playing sports.
- Wear a helmet when skiing, snowboarding, biking, riding a motorcycle, and roller blading.
- Always wear your seat belt.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Fever
- Very bad pain or swelling
- Splint or mouth guard is out of place, broken, or damaged
- Trouble swallowing, speaking, breathing, eating, or drinking
- Trouble opening or closing your mouth
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what may help ease my pain.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have more pain; trouble swallowing, speaking, breathing, eating, or drinking; or problems opening or closing my mouth.
Where can I learn more?
American Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons ‚
http://www.aaoms.org/tmj.php ‚
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research ‚
http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/Topics/TMJ/TMJDisorders.htm ‚
National Organization for Rare Disorders ‚
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/296/viewAbstract ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚