TREATMENT

Rest - the joint, and give the body time to heal. If you have splint to separate the teeth and relax the muscle is helpful. 

Soft Diet - When inflammation or injury to the joints occurs you must reduce the forces generated during chewing. 

Limit your opening 

Avoid prolong opening - do not have wisdom teeth removed unless absolutely necessary. extractions produce tremendous pressures on the joints and jaws. 

Ice and Heat - with any joint injury apply ice immediately to reduce swelling and pain for the first 12 to 24 hrs. Apply for 20 to 25 minutes then remove for 5 to 10 minutes. Moist heat is used after 24 hrs. to increase the circulation and remove toxins from damaged tissues. 

Good Nutrition - When connective tissue is injured in a joint or ligament injury, the protein collagen framework must be repaired. 

Posture - affects head position which affects the mandibular position (jaw). Try to keep your head erect, and over your shoulders, not in front of your body which would stress the closing muscles, and create pain. 

Jaw Exercises: 

Opening and closing with 2 toothpicks placed between the two front teeth of the upper and lower jaw. Try to keep these in a straight line when opening and closing. 

Open against resistance of fist should include side to side and forward . 

Neck Exercises: 

• Side bending of the head
• Head Rotation 
• Head flexion
• Chin to chest
• Shoulder stretching 

Many cases of TMJ are the results of emotions which are being voiced, just driving in the car in the country and screaming to the top of your lungs has great therapeutic value 

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