How would you like to get a great case of bad breath halitosis, quickly and easily? Chances are you would not want that, but sometimes it is easier for us to learn how to avoid certain things by learning how to get certain things. For many people, once they learn how something works, it is far easier to prevent the occurrence in the future. The same principle applies for the causes of bad breath.
In the majority of cases, bad breath halitosis is caused by:
Sugar
Alcohol
Protein
The General Picture:
Whenever we put food or drink or even fresh breath products, such as mints into our mouths, we set off a chain reaction of digestion and excretion with the microbes that live in our mouths. These bacteria must feed in order to stay alive, and there are certain substances that they enjoy feeding on more so than others. Sugar, alcohol, and protein are three of the more enjoyable items for them. Once these microorganisms have digested the substances, they produce waste products, usually in the form of sulfur compounds, that cause the halitosis bad breath problem that we find so annoying and, often, offensive.
As with the organisms that cause bad breath, we, too, must eat and drink in order to live. That being the case, it is not a realistic option to say that we will simply avoid sugar, alcohol, and protein, which would deny the microbes their nutrition and thereby prevent bad breath.
Equally unrealistic as a cure for bad breath is the use of over-the-counter fresh breath products. The reason for this is simple. Most of these products contain sugar, which is one of the substances that we are trying to deny to the bacteria.
The Answer:
What we need for treating bad breath is an all-natural product that does not contain sugar, alcohol, or protein substances.By using the essential oils of peppermint, spearmint and almond you can reduce the levels and the effects of halitosis on your breath. Studies that have been conducted around the world have shown that these three oils, when they are formulated just right, inhibit the odor-producing effects of the bacteria that live within our mouths. This reduces bacterial halitosis. As a treatment for halitosis bad breath, these natural essential oils are a good choice.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Monday, March 3, 2008
what is TMJ
The Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a small joint located in front of the ear where the skull and lower jaw meet. It permits the lower jaw (mandible) to move and function.
TMJ disorders are not uncommon and have a variety of symptoms. Patients may complain of earaches, headaches and limited ability to open their mouth. They may also complain of clicking or grating sounds in the joint and feel pain when opening and closing their mouth. What must be determined, of course, is the cause.
Causes Determining the cause of a TMJ problem is important, because it is the cause that guides the treatment.
Arthritis is one cause of TMJ symptoms. It can result from an injury or from grinding the teeth at night. Another common cause involves displacement or dislocation of the disk that is located between the jawbone and the socket. A displaced disk may produce clicking or popping sounds, limit jaw movement and cause pain when opening and closing the mouth.
The disk can also develop a hole or perforation, which can produce a grating sound with joint movement. There are also conditions such as trauma or rheumatoid arthritis that can cause the parts of the TMJ to fuse, preventing jaw movement altogether.
Anatomy of the TMJ
The TMJ is a hinge and gliding joint and is the most constantly used joint in the body. The round upper end of the lower jaw, or the movable portion of the joint, is called the condyle; the socket is called the articular fossa. Between the condyle and the fossa is a disk made of cartilage that acts as a cushion to absorb stress and allows the condyle to move easily when the mouth opens and closes.
The Joint, the Muscles or Both are the Problem
Stress may trigger pain in the jaw muscles that is very similar to that caused by TMJ problems. Affected patients frequently clench or grind their teeth at night causing painful spasms in the muscles and difficulty in moving the jaw. Patients may also experience a combination of muscle and joint problems. That is why diagnosing TMJ disorders can be complex and may require different diagnostic procedures.
Function of the TMJ
Temporomandibular joint — Normal closed position. Jawbone is separated from skull by a soft disk that acts as a cushion when you chew, speak or swallow.
Temporomandibular joint — Noraml open position. Disk stays in place when jaw is in use.
Temporomandibular joint — Abnormal. Disk is pulled forward when jaw is in use, causing the bone structures to grind together.
The Role of the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
When symptoms of TMJ trouble appear, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon should be consulted. A specialist in the areas of the mouth, teeth and jaws, the oral and maxillofacial surgeon is in a good position to correctly diagnose the problem.
Special imaging studies of the joints may be ordered and appropriate referral to other dental or medical specialists or a physical therapist may be made.
Range of Possible Treatment
TMJ treatment may range from conservative dental and medical care to complex surgery. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include short-term non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for pain and muscle relaxation, bite plate or splint therapy, and even stress management counseling.
Generally, if non-surgical treatment is unsuccessful or if there is clear joint damage, surgery may be indicated. Surgery can involve either arthroscopy (the method identical to the orthopaedic procedures used to inspect and treat larger joints such as the knee) or repair of damaged tissue by a direct surgical approach.
Once TMJ disorders are correctly diagnosed, appropriate treatment can be provided.
Treatment Options for TMJ Disorders
Bite splints or guards are commonly used to treat TMJ disorders.
Some of the TMJ surgical options your OMS may consider include (a) Arthrocentesis — flushing fluid from the joint and gently stretching it. (b) Arthroscopy — using a miniature telescoping instrument to diagnose and repair the joint. (c) Arthrotomy — open joint surgery for more complex cases.
ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGEONS:
Oral and maxillofacial surgery is the specialty of dentistry that includes the diagnosis, surgical and adjunctive treatment of diseases, injuries and defects involving both the functional and aesthetic aspects of the hard and soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial region.
An oral and maxillofacial surgeon is a graduate of an accredited dental school who has completed an additional four or more years of training in an accredited, hospital-based oral and maxillofacial surgery residency program.
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are an important link in the referral network for primary care providers. Through appropriate referrals, patients can be provided with expedient and cost-effective health care for conditions relating to the specialty of oral and maxillofacial surgery.
The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS), the professional organization representing more than 7,000 oral and maxillofacial surgeons in the United States, supports its members' ability to practice their specialty through education, research and advocacy. AAOMS members comply with rigorous continuing education requirements and submit to periodic office examinations, ensuring the public that all office procedures and personnel meet stringent national standards.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a small joint located in front of the ear where the skull and lower jaw meet. It permits the lower jaw (mandible) to move and function.
TMJ disorders are not uncommon and have a variety of symptoms. Patients may complain of earaches, headaches and limited ability to open their mouth. They may also complain of clicking or grating sounds in the joint and feel pain when opening and closing their mouth. What must be determined, of course, is the cause.
Causes Determining the cause of a TMJ problem is important, because it is the cause that guides the treatment.
Arthritis is one cause of TMJ symptoms. It can result from an injury or from grinding the teeth at night. Another common cause involves displacement or dislocation of the disk that is located between the jawbone and the socket. A displaced disk may produce clicking or popping sounds, limit jaw movement and cause pain when opening and closing the mouth.
The disk can also develop a hole or perforation, which can produce a grating sound with joint movement. There are also conditions such as trauma or rheumatoid arthritis that can cause the parts of the TMJ to fuse, preventing jaw movement altogether.
Anatomy of the TMJ
The TMJ is a hinge and gliding joint and is the most constantly used joint in the body. The round upper end of the lower jaw, or the movable portion of the joint, is called the condyle; the socket is called the articular fossa. Between the condyle and the fossa is a disk made of cartilage that acts as a cushion to absorb stress and allows the condyle to move easily when the mouth opens and closes.
The Joint, the Muscles or Both are the Problem
Stress may trigger pain in the jaw muscles that is very similar to that caused by TMJ problems. Affected patients frequently clench or grind their teeth at night causing painful spasms in the muscles and difficulty in moving the jaw. Patients may also experience a combination of muscle and joint problems. That is why diagnosing TMJ disorders can be complex and may require different diagnostic procedures.
Function of the TMJ
Temporomandibular joint — Normal closed position. Jawbone is separated from skull by a soft disk that acts as a cushion when you chew, speak or swallow.
Temporomandibular joint — Noraml open position. Disk stays in place when jaw is in use.
Temporomandibular joint — Abnormal. Disk is pulled forward when jaw is in use, causing the bone structures to grind together.
The Role of the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
When symptoms of TMJ trouble appear, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon should be consulted. A specialist in the areas of the mouth, teeth and jaws, the oral and maxillofacial surgeon is in a good position to correctly diagnose the problem.
Special imaging studies of the joints may be ordered and appropriate referral to other dental or medical specialists or a physical therapist may be made.
Range of Possible Treatment
TMJ treatment may range from conservative dental and medical care to complex surgery. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include short-term non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for pain and muscle relaxation, bite plate or splint therapy, and even stress management counseling.
Generally, if non-surgical treatment is unsuccessful or if there is clear joint damage, surgery may be indicated. Surgery can involve either arthroscopy (the method identical to the orthopaedic procedures used to inspect and treat larger joints such as the knee) or repair of damaged tissue by a direct surgical approach.
Once TMJ disorders are correctly diagnosed, appropriate treatment can be provided.
Treatment Options for TMJ Disorders
Bite splints or guards are commonly used to treat TMJ disorders.
Some of the TMJ surgical options your OMS may consider include (a) Arthrocentesis — flushing fluid from the joint and gently stretching it. (b) Arthroscopy — using a miniature telescoping instrument to diagnose and repair the joint. (c) Arthrotomy — open joint surgery for more complex cases.
ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGEONS:
Oral and maxillofacial surgery is the specialty of dentistry that includes the diagnosis, surgical and adjunctive treatment of diseases, injuries and defects involving both the functional and aesthetic aspects of the hard and soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial region.
An oral and maxillofacial surgeon is a graduate of an accredited dental school who has completed an additional four or more years of training in an accredited, hospital-based oral and maxillofacial surgery residency program.
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are an important link in the referral network for primary care providers. Through appropriate referrals, patients can be provided with expedient and cost-effective health care for conditions relating to the specialty of oral and maxillofacial surgery.
The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS), the professional organization representing more than 7,000 oral and maxillofacial surgeons in the United States, supports its members' ability to practice their specialty through education, research and advocacy. AAOMS members comply with rigorous continuing education requirements and submit to periodic office examinations, ensuring the public that all office procedures and personnel meet stringent national standards.
TMJ DISORDERS
Definition The temporomandibular joints (TMJs) connect your lower jaw to your skull. There are two matching joints -- one on each side of your head, located just in front of your ears. The abbreviation "TMJ" literally refers to the joint but is often used to refer to any disorders or symptoms of this region. Such problems include popping sounds in the jaw, inability to fully open the mouth, jaw pain, headaches, earaches, toothaches, and various other types of facial pain.
Causes
Many TMJ-related symptoms are caused by the effects of physical and emotional stress on the structures around the joint. These structures include the muscles of the jaw, face, and neck; the teeth; the cartilage disk at the joint; and nearby ligaments, blood vessels, and nerves.
For example, daily stress can lead you to clench and grind your teeth, both during the day and at night while you sleep. Clenching means you tightly clamp your top and bottom teeth together, especially the back teeth. The stressful force of clenching causes pressure on the muscles, tissues, and other structures around your jaw.
Many people who clench also grind their teeth. Grinding is when you slide your teeth over each other, generally in a sideways, back-and-forth movement. This action may wear down your teeth and be noisy enough at night to bother sleeping partners.
Poor posture can also be an important factor. For example, holding the head forward while looking at a computer all day strains the muscles of the face and neck.
Other factors that might aggravate TMJ symptoms are inability to relax, poor diet, and lack of sleep.
All of these stresses can result in "trigger points" -- contracted muscles and pinched nerves in your jaw, head, and neck. Trigger points can refer pain to other areas, causing a headache, earache, or toothache.
Other possible causes of TMJ-related symptoms include arthritis, fractures, dislocations, and structural problems present since birth.
Symptoms
Headache
Earache (the joint is located right in front of the ears and can easily be interpreted as ear pain; in addition, pain may be referred to the ear from nearby muscles)
Jaw pain or tenderness of the jaw
Dull, aching facial pain
Biting or chewing difficulty or discomfort
Clicking sound while chewing or opening the mouth
Grating sensation while chewing
Reduced ability to open or close the mouth
Exams and Tests TMJ pain and symptoms may require evaluation by more than one medical specialty, such as your primary care provider, a dentist, or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor, depending on your symptoms. Some dentists specialize in TMJ diagnosis and treatment.
A thorough examination may involve:
Feeling the joint and connecting muscles for tenderness
Watching, feeling, and listening to the jaw open and shut
Sliding the teeth from side to side
Pressing around the head for areas that are sensitive or painful
X-rays which may show abnormalities, but can be difficult to read
An MRI of the jaw area may occasionally be performed
A dental examination may show mis-alignment of the bite (crossbite, malocclusion)
In some cases, the results of the physical examination may appear normal.
Treatment
Simple, gentle therapies are usually recommended first. If those don't work, mouth guards and more aggressive treatments may be considered. Surgery is generally considered a last resort. Fortunately, there are many steps you can take at home long before that point.
Try massaging the various muscles that may be involved. Probe all of the muscles of the face, shoulders, and back of the neck. (Avoid the area around the throat.) Press on the muscles to identify extremely painful points. Massage the painful spot with hard, slow, short strokes. Do this several times a day until the muscle is no longer painful when pressed.
To massage the masseter muscles on each side of your jaw, place your thumb inside your mouth and squeeze the thick muscle in your cheek (toward the back of your mouth) with your fingers. To get at the harder-to-reach jaw muscles inside your mouth, use your index finger to probe for tender areas behind the teeth, and use the finger to massage these spots.
Here are some other steps to consider:
Maintain good posture while working at a computer, watching TV, and reading. Take frequent breaks to relieve stressed muscles.
Make a habit of relaxing your facial and jaw muscles throughout the day.
Avoid eating hard foods, like nuts, candies, and steak.
Drink plenty of water every day and get plenty of sleep.
Learn relaxation techniques to reduce overall stress and muscle tension in your back, neck, and body.
Other home-care therapies are useful for some people, such as moist heat or cold packs on the face, vitamin supplements, or biofeedback. Exercising several times each week may help you relax, strengthen your body, increase flexibility, and increase your pain threshold.
Read as much as you can, as opinion varies widely on the management of TMJ disorders. Get several clinical perspectives. The good news is that most people eventually find something that helps.
MOUTH GUARDS
Mouth guards, also called splints or appliances, have been used since the 1930's to treat teeth grinding, clenching, and TMJ disorders. Many people have found them to be useful, but the benefits vary widely. The guard may lose its effectiveness over time, or when you stop wearing it. Other people may feel worse pain when they wear one.
There are different types of splints. Some fit over the top of the teeth, some on the bottom. They may be designed to keep your jaw in a more relaxed position, inhibit clenching, or provide some other function. If one type doesn't work, another may.
For example, a new type of splint is called the NTI-tss. It fits over just a couple of top, front teeth. The idea is to keep all of your back teeth completely separated, under the theory that most clenching is done by these back teeth. With the NTI splint, the only contact is between the tiny splint and one bottom front tooth.
MORE AGGRESSIVE TREATMENT
Be cautious about any non-reversible treatment method that permanently alters your bite. However, if a mouth guard doesn't work, your dentist may recommend orthodontics to help re-align your teeth.
Reconstructive surgery of the jaw is rarely required. In fact, studies have shown that the results are often worse than before surgery.
Muscle relaxant medications may help. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) help reduce inflammation in the jaw stemming from arthritis or other causes of inflammation.
Support Groups
For additional information, two excellent books are Taking Control of TMJ by Robert Uppgaard and The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook by Clair Davies.
Outlook (Prognosis)
Most cases can be successfully treated, although initially it may be difficult to diagnose the problem and find an effective solution. Some cases of pain go away on their own without treatment. TMJ-related pain tends to be cyclical and may return again in the future. If the cause is nighttime clenching, treatment can be particularly tricky because it is a sleeping behavior that is hard to control.
Mouth splints are a common treatment approach for teeth grinding. While some splints may silence the grinding by providing a flat, even surface, their effectiveness at reducing pain or stopping clenching is more controversial. Splints may be effective in the short-term but could become less effective over time. Splints can also cause changes in your bite.
Possible Complications
Chronic headaches
Chronic facial pain
When to Contact a Medical Professional
See your health care provider immediately if you are having trouble eating or opening your mouth. Keep in mind that a wide variety of possible conditions can cause TMJ symptoms, from arthritis to whiplash injuries. Experts who are specially trained in facial pain can help diagnose and treat TMJ.
TMJ problems do not fall clearly into one medical discipline. There are a wide variety of treatment approaches. If you are interested in a massage-based approach, look for a massage or physical therapist trained in trigger point therapy, neuromuscular therapy (NMT), clinical massage, or pain relief, particularly as it applies to TMJ pain.
Dentists who specialize in evaluating and treating TMJ disorders will typically perform x-ray exams and may use a kinesiograph or EMG (electromyography). They may give the patient a mouth guard. Surgery is now considered a last resort by most TMJ experts.
Prevention Many of the home-care steps to treat TMJ problems can prevent such problems in the first place:
Maintain good posture, especially if you work all day at a computer. Pause frequently to change position, rest your hands and arms, and relieve stressed muscles.
Learn relaxation techniques to reduce overall stress and muscle tension.
Avoid eating hard foods and chewing gum.
Drink plenty of water every day and get plenty of sleep.
Use safety measures to reduce the risk of fractures and dislocations.
Refrences American Dental Association. TMD/TMJ (temporomandibular disorders). Available at: http://www.ada.org/public/topics/tmd_tmj.asp.
Lobbezoo F. Topical review: new insights into the pathology and diagnosis of disorders of the temporomandibular joint. J Orofac Pain. 2004; 18(3): 181-191.
Causes
Many TMJ-related symptoms are caused by the effects of physical and emotional stress on the structures around the joint. These structures include the muscles of the jaw, face, and neck; the teeth; the cartilage disk at the joint; and nearby ligaments, blood vessels, and nerves.
For example, daily stress can lead you to clench and grind your teeth, both during the day and at night while you sleep. Clenching means you tightly clamp your top and bottom teeth together, especially the back teeth. The stressful force of clenching causes pressure on the muscles, tissues, and other structures around your jaw.
Many people who clench also grind their teeth. Grinding is when you slide your teeth over each other, generally in a sideways, back-and-forth movement. This action may wear down your teeth and be noisy enough at night to bother sleeping partners.
Poor posture can also be an important factor. For example, holding the head forward while looking at a computer all day strains the muscles of the face and neck.
Other factors that might aggravate TMJ symptoms are inability to relax, poor diet, and lack of sleep.
All of these stresses can result in "trigger points" -- contracted muscles and pinched nerves in your jaw, head, and neck. Trigger points can refer pain to other areas, causing a headache, earache, or toothache.
Other possible causes of TMJ-related symptoms include arthritis, fractures, dislocations, and structural problems present since birth.
Symptoms
Headache
Earache (the joint is located right in front of the ears and can easily be interpreted as ear pain; in addition, pain may be referred to the ear from nearby muscles)
Jaw pain or tenderness of the jaw
Dull, aching facial pain
Biting or chewing difficulty or discomfort
Clicking sound while chewing or opening the mouth
Grating sensation while chewing
Reduced ability to open or close the mouth
Exams and Tests TMJ pain and symptoms may require evaluation by more than one medical specialty, such as your primary care provider, a dentist, or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor, depending on your symptoms. Some dentists specialize in TMJ diagnosis and treatment.
A thorough examination may involve:
Feeling the joint and connecting muscles for tenderness
Watching, feeling, and listening to the jaw open and shut
Sliding the teeth from side to side
Pressing around the head for areas that are sensitive or painful
X-rays which may show abnormalities, but can be difficult to read
An MRI of the jaw area may occasionally be performed
A dental examination may show mis-alignment of the bite (crossbite, malocclusion)
In some cases, the results of the physical examination may appear normal.
Treatment
Simple, gentle therapies are usually recommended first. If those don't work, mouth guards and more aggressive treatments may be considered. Surgery is generally considered a last resort. Fortunately, there are many steps you can take at home long before that point.
Try massaging the various muscles that may be involved. Probe all of the muscles of the face, shoulders, and back of the neck. (Avoid the area around the throat.) Press on the muscles to identify extremely painful points. Massage the painful spot with hard, slow, short strokes. Do this several times a day until the muscle is no longer painful when pressed.
To massage the masseter muscles on each side of your jaw, place your thumb inside your mouth and squeeze the thick muscle in your cheek (toward the back of your mouth) with your fingers. To get at the harder-to-reach jaw muscles inside your mouth, use your index finger to probe for tender areas behind the teeth, and use the finger to massage these spots.
Here are some other steps to consider:
Maintain good posture while working at a computer, watching TV, and reading. Take frequent breaks to relieve stressed muscles.
Make a habit of relaxing your facial and jaw muscles throughout the day.
Avoid eating hard foods, like nuts, candies, and steak.
Drink plenty of water every day and get plenty of sleep.
Learn relaxation techniques to reduce overall stress and muscle tension in your back, neck, and body.
Other home-care therapies are useful for some people, such as moist heat or cold packs on the face, vitamin supplements, or biofeedback. Exercising several times each week may help you relax, strengthen your body, increase flexibility, and increase your pain threshold.
Read as much as you can, as opinion varies widely on the management of TMJ disorders. Get several clinical perspectives. The good news is that most people eventually find something that helps.
MOUTH GUARDS
Mouth guards, also called splints or appliances, have been used since the 1930's to treat teeth grinding, clenching, and TMJ disorders. Many people have found them to be useful, but the benefits vary widely. The guard may lose its effectiveness over time, or when you stop wearing it. Other people may feel worse pain when they wear one.
There are different types of splints. Some fit over the top of the teeth, some on the bottom. They may be designed to keep your jaw in a more relaxed position, inhibit clenching, or provide some other function. If one type doesn't work, another may.
For example, a new type of splint is called the NTI-tss. It fits over just a couple of top, front teeth. The idea is to keep all of your back teeth completely separated, under the theory that most clenching is done by these back teeth. With the NTI splint, the only contact is between the tiny splint and one bottom front tooth.
MORE AGGRESSIVE TREATMENT
Be cautious about any non-reversible treatment method that permanently alters your bite. However, if a mouth guard doesn't work, your dentist may recommend orthodontics to help re-align your teeth.
Reconstructive surgery of the jaw is rarely required. In fact, studies have shown that the results are often worse than before surgery.
Muscle relaxant medications may help. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) help reduce inflammation in the jaw stemming from arthritis or other causes of inflammation.
Support Groups
For additional information, two excellent books are Taking Control of TMJ by Robert Uppgaard and The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook by Clair Davies.
Outlook (Prognosis)
Most cases can be successfully treated, although initially it may be difficult to diagnose the problem and find an effective solution. Some cases of pain go away on their own without treatment. TMJ-related pain tends to be cyclical and may return again in the future. If the cause is nighttime clenching, treatment can be particularly tricky because it is a sleeping behavior that is hard to control.
Mouth splints are a common treatment approach for teeth grinding. While some splints may silence the grinding by providing a flat, even surface, their effectiveness at reducing pain or stopping clenching is more controversial. Splints may be effective in the short-term but could become less effective over time. Splints can also cause changes in your bite.
Possible Complications
Chronic headaches
Chronic facial pain
When to Contact a Medical Professional
See your health care provider immediately if you are having trouble eating or opening your mouth. Keep in mind that a wide variety of possible conditions can cause TMJ symptoms, from arthritis to whiplash injuries. Experts who are specially trained in facial pain can help diagnose and treat TMJ.
TMJ problems do not fall clearly into one medical discipline. There are a wide variety of treatment approaches. If you are interested in a massage-based approach, look for a massage or physical therapist trained in trigger point therapy, neuromuscular therapy (NMT), clinical massage, or pain relief, particularly as it applies to TMJ pain.
Dentists who specialize in evaluating and treating TMJ disorders will typically perform x-ray exams and may use a kinesiograph or EMG (electromyography). They may give the patient a mouth guard. Surgery is now considered a last resort by most TMJ experts.
Prevention Many of the home-care steps to treat TMJ problems can prevent such problems in the first place:
Maintain good posture, especially if you work all day at a computer. Pause frequently to change position, rest your hands and arms, and relieve stressed muscles.
Learn relaxation techniques to reduce overall stress and muscle tension.
Avoid eating hard foods and chewing gum.
Drink plenty of water every day and get plenty of sleep.
Use safety measures to reduce the risk of fractures and dislocations.
Refrences American Dental Association. TMD/TMJ (temporomandibular disorders). Available at: http://www.ada.org/public/topics/tmd_tmj.asp.
Lobbezoo F. Topical review: new insights into the pathology and diagnosis of disorders of the temporomandibular joint. J Orofac Pain. 2004; 18(3): 181-191.
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