What can be done for arthritis in the jaw?

Some options include:

• Resting your jaw. Avoiding opening your jaw wide and trying to stick to eating softer foods that you don’t have to chew too much may provide relief.
• Ice or heat therapy.
• Jaw exercises.
• Relaxation exercises.
• Massaging your jaw muscles.
• Wear a mouthguard at night.

What is degenerative jaw disease?

Osteoarthritis (OA) of the temporomandibular joint is a unilateral, degenerative disease of the jaw joint. It is characterized by breakdown of the articular cartilage, architectural changes in bone, and degeneration of the synovial tissues causing pain and/or dysfunction in functional movements of the jaw.

What’s the best treatment for degenerative joint disease?

Treating Degenerative Joint Disease There are many non-surgical treatments for degenerative joint disease. Most sufferers of osteoarthritis try a variety of options to ease symptoms, including icing, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroid injections, therapy, bracing, massage, and acupuncture.

How is osteoarthritis TMJ treated?

Studies have shown that nonsurgical treatment can successfully be used to treat patients with osteoarthritis [35]. Treatment includes physical therapy, pulsed electrical stimulation, pharmacological, topical ointments, supplements, steroid injections, hyaluronic acid (HA) injections, acupuncture.

What causes the jaw joint to deteriorate?

Gross malalignment or malocclusion. – Malocclusion is the imperfect positioning or alignment of the teeth and jaws.

How is TMJ diagnosed?

The most common method of diagnosing TMJ disorder (TMJD or TMD) is by visiting a physician and having a physical exam and history performed. The physician or dentist will examine the patient’s face and jaw for pain and tenderness, listen to the joint for noises, check the patient’s bite, and measure how far the jaw can open.

What doctors treat TMJ disorder?

The best doctor to see for first choice to diagnose and treat TMJ is an oral surgeon. These specialists are trained specifically in the diagnosis and treatment of TMJ. However, a recommendation is often required just to make an appointment with an oral surgeon.

What causes TMJ and jaw misalignment?

and certain diseases in connective tissues that affect the temporomandibular joint.