Grinding or clenching your teeth, headaches due to cramped jaw muscles, pressure sensitive temples. Do you know this feeling? Then let us help you!

Myoarthropathies (MAP) are diseases of the temporomandibular joint and the masticatory muscles. Movement sequences in the jaw are impaired, which may lead to pain.

Common triggers are teeth clenching or grinding in stressful situations. The pain often radiates from the jaw joint to other parts of the body and causes neck-, face- or headaches. The chewing muscles, especially the cheek and temple muscles, are sensitive to pressure. There may also be an audible "cracking" in the temporomandibular joint when opening and closing the mouth.

Excessive grinding and pressing can lead to damage of the tooth substance. Small cracks in the enamel may occur and the tooth surface may be altered. These changes should be treated by a dentist if they are very pronounced.

In the treatment of MAP, a confidential conversation is first held to identify the causes that could lead to pressure and stress. Possibilities are discussed how these situations could be countered in private and professional life. Relaxation massages, which you can do yourself, can be helpful. Pain treatment with medication can also be successful. Sometimes collaboration with a physiotherapist is useful. In individual cases a "crunch splint" (Michigan splint) can prove helpful.