Jaw Muscle Pain

Jaw muscle pain, also known as temporomandibular disorder (TMD) or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, refers to discomfort or pain in the muscles that control the movement of the jaw. These muscles are responsible for activities such as chewing, speaking, and swallowing.

Jaw muscle pain can manifest in different ways, including:

JAW PAIN: The most common symptom is pain in the jaw joint or muscles, which can be felt on one or both sides of the face. The pain may be dull or sharp and can worsen with jaw movement or when pressure is applied.

DIFFICULTY OR DISCOMFORT WHILE CHEWING: Individuals with jaw muscle pain may experience pain or discomfort when biting, chewing, or opening their mouth wide.

CLICKING OR POPPING SOUNDS: Some people may notice clicking, popping, or grating sounds when they open or close their mouths. These sounds may or may not be accompanied by pain.

JAW STIFFNESS: The jaw muscles may feel tight, tense, or stiff, making it difficult to fully open or close the mouth.

HEADACHES OR EARACHES: Jaw muscle pain can sometimes radiate to the head or ears, leading to headaches or earaches. These symptoms can be debilitating and impact daily activities.

Jaw muscle pain can be caused by various factors, including stress, grinding or clenching the teeth (bruxism), jaw misalignment, injury to the jaw or face, arthritis, or joint cartilage damage.

How to treat jaw muscle pain with the use of Tee-MD range of devices  

The Tee-MD range of appliances deliver five very powerful treatment options which can be used individually or in tandem. Each patient responds differently but the sequence should always start with heat and finish with relaxation.

  •    Thermotherapy ( Heat)

  •    Trigger point massage

  •    Acupressure

  •    Vibratory massage

  •    Relaxation with light deprivation and white noise

These treatments with the Tee-MD range of products should be used in conjunction with other lifestyle changes such as:

AVOIDING HARD OR CHEWY FOODS: Stick to soft foods and cut food into small pieces to decrease stress on the jaw muscles.

RELAXATION TECHNIQUES: Practice stress reduction techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga to relieve tension in the jaw muscles.

NONSTEROIDAL ANTI-INFLAMMATROY DRUGS (NSAIDs): such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can help reduce pain, inflammation, and swelling in the jaw muscles. Follow the recommended dosage and consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or if you require pain medication for an extended period.

CUSTOMIZED ORAL SPLINTS OR MOUTH GUARDS: Your dentist may recommend using a specially fitted oral appliance to help alleviate jaw muscle pain and prevent teeth grinding or clenching during sleep.

BITE ADJUSTMENT: In some cases, your dentist may need to adjust your bite alignment by reshaping the surfaces of your teeth or using dental restorations to improve jaw alignment.

JAW EXERCISES: A physical therapist or dentist may guide you through exercises to strengthen and stretch the jaw muscles, promoting better jaw movement and function.

COGNITIVE-BEHAVIORAL THERAPY (CBT): CBT techniques can assist in managing stress, behavioral triggers, and improving coping mechanisms.

RELAXATION TECHNIQUES: Incorporate stress-reducing activities, such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga, into your daily routine to help relax the jaw muscles.

IN SOME CASES, MORE INVASIVE TREATMENTS: may be necessary, such as injections of botulinum toxin (Botox) to relax the jaw muscles or in severe cases, surgery, which is typically considered a last resort.

Remember, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a dentist or oral and maxillofacial surgeon, who specialises in the treatment of jaw muscle pain and TMD, for a proper diagnosis and personalised treatment plan based on your specific condition.