Mandibular exercises to control bruxism and deviation problems.

A discussion of bruxism, mandibular deviation and hypermobility problems producing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and masticatory muscle pathology is presented. The pathophysiology of painful masticatory muscle hyperactivity, TMJ dysfunction and chondromalacia are presented. The role that pain mediators play in the degradation of TMJ fibrocartilage, acute synovitis and joint and muscle pain is analyzed. Isokinetic and stretching exercises are described to assist in correcting or preventing pathology and dysfunction of these structures.