The pain of temporomandibular joint dysfunction can truly take over your life. From the inability to open your mouth, speak or chew, to the debilitating pain in the jaw, neck, back and head, it can be hard to focus on anything but the pain.
Neuromuscular dentistry aims to correct these debilitating aches and pains and get your temporomandibular joint into perfect alignment with the jaw. But treatment can take awhile when it’s done right. So, what can you do in the interim to ease the pain of temporomandibular joint dysfunction? Here are some tips for helping you relax and reduce the pain of temporomandibular joint dysfunction while you undergo neuromuscular dental treatment.
Massage
Doesn’t a massage sound relaxing? Well, believe it or not, massaging the jaw can have the same positive, relaxing effects as massaging the body. Massage reduces the tension in the muscles and can help loosen a stiff jaw. It also just plain feels good!
Physical Therapy
Much like massage therapy, physical therapy works in tandem with neuromuscular dentistry to help relax the muscles of the jaw and strengthen them so they are more comfortable during neuromuscular dentistry treatment.
Changing Diet
Diet goes a long way toward helping your jaw recuperate from temporomandibular joint dysfunction. By eliminating chewy or crunchy foods from your diet, you put less strain on the temporomandibular joint, preventing the pain of excessive wear on your joints and muscles. Giving up the foods you love can be disappointing, but remember – with neuromuscular dental treatment, you will someday be able to once again enjoy the foods you love.
Neuromuscular Dentistry
Neuromuscular dentistry is a specialized field of dentistry that aims to correct a misaligned bite and realign the temporomandibular joint of the jaw. This treatment plan can take several years to complete, but it’s worth the investment in time and money, because it fixes the root problem, and doesn’t just mask it.
Dr. Mazhari offers neuromuscular dentistry in his clinic. If you believe you may have temporomandibular joint dysfunction, please contact the office for an evaluation. We can be reached at (703) 212-9622.