An anti-inflammatory and analgesic ointment for the relief of temporomandibular joint and masticatory muscle pain

Abstract

AIM: To compare the effectiveness of using a topical cream, Ping On ointment, or Vaseline in the treatment of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and masticatory muscle pain, in order to establish the true effi cacy of Ping On ointment. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: In this randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial, 55 subjects with TMJ and/or masticatory pain (Group 1 patients according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorder) received Ping On Ointment for 4 weeks or a placebo for 4 weeks. The subjects were evaluated with standard measures of effi cacy: pain intensity measured by visual analogue scale and maximal comfortable mandibular opening, at baseline and after 4 weeks of treatment. RESULTS: Ping On ointment signifi cantly reduced the symptoms of painful TMJs and/or masticatory muscles. Maximal comfortable mandibular opening also improved signifi cantly with Ping On ointment compared with the placebo, but this was not clinically signifi cant. CONCLUSIONS: Topical application of Ping On ointment may be considered to be one of the fi rst line treatment modalities before prescribing analgesics, for the management of temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD). It is topically applied, with minimal systemic effect, reversible, economical and effective in managing TMD and masticatory muscle pain.