Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction

Question 1

Causes

Answer 1

is due to abnormal movement of the mandible,

• esp. during chewing.

The basic cause is dental malocclusion.

Question 2

Treatment of TMJ dysfunction

Answer 2

If organic disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis and obvious dental malocclusion is excluded,

• a special set of instructions or exercises can alleviate the annoying problem of TMJ arthralgia in about 3 wks.

See next three slides for other treatments:

Question 3

Method 1:

Answer 3

‘Chewing’ a piece of soft wood

Obtain a rod of soft wood ~5 cm long × 1.5 cm wide.

• An ideal object is a large carpenter’s pencil.

Instruct pt to position this at the back of the mouth

• so that the molars grasp the object with the mandible thrust forward.

Pt then rhythmically bites on the object

• with a grinding movement for 2–3 mins at least 3 times/d.

Question 4

Method 2:

Answer 4

The ‘six by six’ program

This is a specific program recommended by some dental surgeons.

The 6 exercises should be carried out 6 times on each occasion,

• 6 times a day, taking about 1–2 mins.

Question 5

Injection into the TMJ Indications:

Answer 5

painful rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis or TMJ dysfunction

• not responding to conservative measures.