What should I do about temporomandibular joint arthritis?

Temporomandibular joint arthritis can be improved through lifestyle adjustments, medication, physical therapy, occlusal adjustment, and rehabilitation exercises. If severe joint pain, significantly restricted mouth opening, or symptoms lasting more than one month occur, prompt medical attention is necessary.

1. Lifestyle adjustments: Avoid chewing hard objects, prolonged mouth opening, or unilateral chewing to reduce stress on the joint. Maintain emotional stability and avoid mental tension that may trigger muscle spasms, which helps alleviate discomfort.

2. Medication: Under a doctor's guidance, use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce inflammation and pain. Topical anti-inflammatory creams may be used when necessary. Avoid self-medicating to prevent adverse reactions.

3. Physical therapy: Apply heat packs, ultrasound, or infrared radiation to promote local blood circulation, relax tense muscles, and reduce joint swelling and pain. These treatments should be performed by qualified healthcare professionals.

4. Occlusal adjustment: If symptoms are caused by malocclusion, correct the bite relationship using occlusal splints or orthodontic treatment to reduce abnormal joint loading and relieve symptoms at their source.

5. Rehabilitation exercises: Perform gentle mouth-opening and closing exercises and muscle relaxation training to strengthen the muscles around the joint and improve flexibility and function. Exercises should progress gradually to avoid overexertion.

Daily care includes maintaining good oral hygiene, avoiding cold exposure to the face, eating soft, easily chewable foods, gently massaging the muscles around the joint after meals, and maintaining regular sleep patterns to avoid staying up late. Scientific self-care supports recovery from the condition.