Glucosamine
sulfate
Glucosamine is responsible for the
gel like cushion of cartilage, and
is nutritive to the articular disk in between the
bones of the Temporomandibular
joint. Often with arthritis of
a joint, as in the case of Temporomandibular
joint disorders, the cartilage
will become hard and absorb less
shock from excessive use. This can
result in symptoms of pain,
clicking, popping, and decreased
mouth opening.
In a study of 50 patients with
osteoarthritis of the
Temporomandibular joint, significant improvement occurred
with supplementation of glucosamine sulfate. Glucosamine
caused a decrease in the noises,
pain, and swelling in the joint. [5]
SAM-e (S-adenosylmethionine)
SAM-e is formed from the amino
acid methionine,
and ATP, our body's primary source
of energy. It
is necessary for the proper formation
of cartilage components. SAM-e may be
especially protective of cartilage. SAM-e
has also exhibited mild analgesic and
anti-inflammatory properties,
which make it a relevant treatment
option for those suffering from Temporomandibular joint disorders.
In a study that compared SAM-e to
Celebrex, a popularly prescribed
NSAID, supplementation resulted in
the improvement of overall symptoms. It was found to be as
effective as Celebrex, though its
onset of action was slower. [6] Another study also found that
supplementation with SAM-e can cause a reduction
in pain. It also showed an
improvement in joint function and
a decrease in joint limitation. SAM-e
has not been proven to have any
side effects. [7]
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is anti-inflammatory and potent anti-oxidant. It helps
to maintain cell membranes. Vitamin E
stimulates healthy cartilage
production. [8]
The dietary supplementation of Vitamin E would be beneficial for
any of the disorders of the
Temporomandibular joint.
In fact, one study showed that supplementation with
Vitamin E resulted in a 52%
reduction in pain compared to only
a 10% reduction with placebo. [9] In another study, Vitamin E was
equally successful in increasing joint mobility,
reduce swelling around the joint, and increasing walking times. [10]
Vitamin C
Vitamin C supports connective
tissue metabolism. It is believed
to be protective for cartilage. It
not only aids in the repair of cartilage,
but also helps to incorporate cellular
components that help cartilage
hold water. Vitamin C is also
considered a
potent anti-oxidant. [11]
Boswellia
serrata
Boswellia is anti-inflammatory,
analgesic, and anti-arthritic
agent. It
can be used for internal joint
derangement, myofascial pain
syndrome, and arthritis of the
Temporomandibular joint. It
prevents the age related decline
in cartilage production and
improves blood supply to joints.
In one particular study, supplementation
with boswellia
decreased pain and increased range
of motion of affected joints.
There were also marked decreases
in the amount of swelling around the
affected joint. [12]
Piper methysticum (Kava)
Kava is a useful treatment for
myofascial pain syndrome. It is an
effective
sedative, anxiolytic, and skeletal
muscle relaxant. It has been
proven in clinical trials to
decrease anxiety and to relieve
nervous tension that results in
muscle spasm. [13]
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