TMJ Instructions

• Doctor's Night-guard can be purchased at local drug store.
• Wear Doctor's Night-guard at night and while driving.
• Identify possible emotional sources of stress that may be the main source.
• Take an anti-inflammatory as needed (Lodine, Ibuprofen) for pain.
• NO gum chewing.
• Soft Diet.
• Massage to side of face (near jaw) 3 times a day with moist heat.
• Make sure you get 7-8 hours sleep each night.

If you have any problems or questions, please feel free to call the office. If it is after business hours, there will be a number provided for emergencies on our recording.

Relaxation, rest can ease TMJ pain

Temporomandibular disorders, more commonly referred to as TMJ disorders or just TMJ, are a group of conditions that affect the muscles around the jaw and related joints. TMJ is actually the abbreviation for the joint that connects the mandible (lower jaw) to the temporal bone (skull). You can feel the joints move when you place your fingers in front of your ears and open and close your mouth.

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), TMJ disorders are the second most common pain-causing musculoskeletal conditions after chronic low back pain. TMJ disorders affect 5 percent to 12 percent of the population, and women are twice as likely to experience TMJ disorders as men. Most people who have TMJ experience temporary but recurring pain that may go away on its own. However, some cases result in long-term problems.