Innovative Solutions for TMD

TMD, or temporomandibular joint disorder, is a painful condition that affects the “hinge” on either side of your jaw. This hinge, the temporomandibular joint, allows you to open and close your mouth at will. It’s this joint that attaches your lower jawbone to your skull. Because it’s something you use constantly throughout the day, disorders that affect the TMJ take priority. If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort in the area of your TMJ, your orthodontist in Solon, OH, has solutions.

Treatment Options for Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

Your orthodontist may recommend one of several treatment options once you’ve been diagnosed with TMD. Usually, these include:

• Resting your jaw
• Taking medications such as pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, or muscle relaxers
• Wearing an occlusional appliance, such as a mouth guard or oral splint
• Physical therapy
• Counseling to help you cease bad habits, such as teeth grinding or nail-biting
• Surgery

Mild TMD may clear up on its own with rest and simple lifestyle changes. However, there may be times when more serious intervention, such as surgery, is required.

Lifestyle Changes to Improve TMD

Adopting a soft-food diet is a more modern solution to easing the pain and discomfort of TMD. Because the least-invasive method of treatment is usually the preferred option, your orthodontist may recommend eliminating certain foods from your diet. These may include:

• Hard cheese or fruit chunks
• Nuts, seeds, raw celery
• Fruits with skin, such as grapes
• Hard cookies
• Carrots

Your orthodontist may also give you exercises to perform at home to help ease the symptoms of TMD. Exercises that strengthen or stretch the jaw may be helpful. Exercises that improve posture may be beneficial as well.

Help for TMD in Solon, OH

Even if you’re interested in working at home to improve the function of your temporomandibular joint, it’s still vital to seek professional help first. TMD treatment in Solon, OH begins with professional intervention, and it’s your orthodontist who has the solutions you need to ease pain and restore function.

For more information, call McGuire Orthodontics and Facial Orthopedics to schedule a consultation today.