TMJ Dysfunction
Patient presents with discomfort and pain in the jaw in front of the ear, especially when eating Examination: tendernesss to palpation over the TMJ on the left side Management: Advised to: - When eating, avoid opening your mouth wider than the thickness of your thumb and cut all food into smallpieces - Do not bite any food with your front teeth—use small bite-size pieces - Avoid eating food requiring prolonged chewing such as hard crusts of bread, tough meat, raw vegetables - Avoid chewing gum - Always try to open your jaw in a hinge or arc motion - Do not protrude your jaw - Avoid clenching your teeth together—keep your lips together and your teeth apart. - Try to breathe through your nose at all times. - Do not sleep on your jaw—try to sleep on your back. - Practice a relaxed lifestyle so that your jaws and face muscles feel relaxed. For a nagging problem Once the acute phase has settled, it is best to strengthen the muscles and joints by performing a set of exer...