Temporomandibular
Joint (TMJ)
The temporomandibular joint and the muscles that move the jaw can be frequently
inflamed. When inflamed a variety of symptoms can occur including earache,
headache (most often on the sides of the head and in the front of the
head), as well as dizziness and ringing in the ears. The simplest things
to do when this diagnosis is made are the following:
- Soft and liquid
diet for two weeks. (You want to avoid chewing, no bagels apples,
raw carrots or any other foods that require you to open and close
your mouth widely and to chew tightly on back teeth).
- Warm to hot moist
soaks on the sides of your head and in front of your ears as often
as possible during the day. (This will allow the muscles that move
the joint to relieve their spasm). If pain is acute, use ice massage
for 20 minutes three times/day. Frozen peas work very well.
- Advil, 600 milligrams
three to four times a day around-the-clock or, some other anti-inflammatory
medication prescribed by the doctor. (This will help to reduce the
inflammation of the joint and relieve pain).
- If you have not
recently seen your dentist, it is a good idea to contact your dentist
for an oral evaluation and the possibility of having a splint made
if this becomes a recurrent problem
- Avoid chewing
gum at all costs.
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