Abstract

This article introduces a new topical gel and method for rapidly relieving temporomandibular joint (TMJ), muscles of mastication, and myofacial pain while uniquely inhibiting the associated destructive chronic inflammation. The gel (composed of 18% potassium complex, 10% dimethylisosorbide, and 72% aqueous hydroxyethyl cellulose gel) was applied and gently rubbed onto the facial skin over the painful TMJs, muscles of mastication, and myofacial areas. The gel was applied as soon as clinicians identified the TMJ disorder, as the authors have found that the gel routinely and predictably provides rapid pain relief and patient comfort and speeds restoration of the jaw's functional abilities, usually within 5 minutes after it is applied. The relief is attributable to the combined ability of potassium and dimethylisosorbide to inhibit inflammation and pain. These dynamic results have led the authors to recommend that the gel be applied as a first-step procedure before trying to definitively diagnose and treat the cause(s) of the patients' pain and dysfunction. Once the pain had been eliminated as a complicating factor, a diagnosis and treatment plan concerning the jaw's biomechanical problems may be identified and dealt with. The ability to remove pain and inflammation as a first measure before making a definitive diagnosis and treatment plan minimizes patient anxiety, depression, and psychological concerns. Subsequent diagnosis and treatment of the biomechanical disorder(s) related to TMJ are then more easily and effectively accomplished.