I have tmj and wear a mouth guard . my masseter muscle has been in spasm for a long time now . what is the best way to treat?

Moist heat: Moist heat will aid in muscle tenderness and will help to alleviate the Lactic Acid buildup in the masseter resulting in spasm. If discomfort persists, see your dentist to check appliance for imbalance.

Wrong diagnosis: Everyone has a tmj, the question is whether your TMJ is causing pain which is triggering the masseter spasm. There are several structures in and around the mouth that need to be investigated. The type of splint and the height of the splint can make a big difference in reducing the spasm. High voltage stimulation can also help break up spasm. You need a doctor that is 100% tmd.

TMD specialist: Some dentists have more training and experience treating patients with tmd symptoms. It is often more complicated than merely making an appliance to treat this. Therefore find such a dentist in your area to carefully evaluate you. There are many treatment modalities available to help you long term.

Experienced dentist: You need to be properly evaluated by a dentist with enough experience and training treating patients with TMJ problems. It's more involved than just making a mouth guard!

Fix your bite: The masseter is in spasm because your bite s not balanced. A custom fit orthosis that is made and adjusted to a corrected bite where the balance of the muscles is measured and verified will help you. See a dentist trained in tmd, perhaps a neuromuscular dentist.

See DDS: the guard may need adjustment or refabrication, or may be need another type of retreatment

TMJ: TMJ disorder is the second most frequent cause of orofacial pain after dental pain. The common symptom are: headache, jaw pain, neck pain, eye pain, earache. Proper diagnosis is the key for the successful treatment. This disorder will not resolve on its own with home care. Rec.: orofacial pain specialist for evaluation and treatment.

See tmj doc: Muscle relaxants may help. Botox injections to masseter will help.