Although jaw pain can originate from a variety of different conditions, problems with the temporomandibular joint are frequently to blame. To alleviate this discomfort, a few easy exercises can be performed at home.
It is best to seek professional advice from a dentist in Okotoks if you have extreme pain. Following these self-care techniques will help you gradually lessen the unpleasant effects of TMJ if your pain is minimal.
TMJ Stretches and Exercises
These exercises are all meant to alleviate the pain that TMJ problems cause. These activities are intended to progressively lessen pain and strengthen your muscles. When engaging in these exercises, there can be some initial discomfort; however, if pain levels worsen during or after exercises, it’s time to see the dentist near you.
In some training routines, a number of movements are combined with a focus on the muscles and joints.
Tongue-Up Workout
Slowly open and close your jaw numerous times while keeping your tongue firmly on the roof of your mouth.
Restricted to Open Mouth
Try to open your jaw by placing your thumb under your chin and pressing upward. After 3 to 6 seconds of maintaining resistance, progressively close your jaw.
Relaxed Jaw
Just behind your front teeth, press your tongue towards the roof of your mouth. Your mouth should be slightly open, and your jaw should naturally drop. Keep holding until your muscles are relaxed.
Resisted Mouth Closing
Put both of your index fingers between your chin and bottom lip, then place both of your thumbs on the chin’s bottom. Try to close your jaw while keeping your mouth open and exerting resistance with your hands. Hold for three to six seconds, then slowly open your mouth.
Lateral Jaw Movements
Put something 1/4 inch thick, such as a popsicle stick, in the gap between your front teeth. Repeatedly shift your jaw slowly left and right. Increase the thickness of the object between your teeth as the practice gets easier.
Moving the Jaw Forward
Put something 1/4 inch thick in between your front teeth. Move your jaw slowly back and forth until your bottom teeth are visible above your top teeth. Increase the thickness of the object between your teeth as the practice gets easier.
Goldfish Training
Put pressure on the TMJ on one side with your index finger. Put light pressure with your other index finger on your chin. Open and close your jaw six times while keeping your tongue on the roof of your mouth. Try to perform this workout daily for six sets. Alternately, gently press both temporomandibular joints with the index fingers.
Caring For Your Mouth
Exercises for TMJ treatment near you are intended to reduce discomfort by bolstering the muscles that move your jaw joints. Similar to any exercise, repetition and consistency can help you achieve better results and develop stronger muscles. To relieve jaw discomfort, it is wise to perform TMJ exercises every day.
The following treatments may also be suggested by your dentist to help with symptoms:
- Humid heat (such as from a warm compress)
- Medication (muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatories)
- Oral device (splint or night guard)
Reach Out to Our Dentist
It’s always preferable to see your dentist for TMJ therapy in Okotoks and an accurate diagnosis if you think you might have TMJ. A dentist can assess the seriousness of your issue and suggest the best course of action for treatment. By taking x-rays of your jaw, TMJ problems can be assessed.
You should feel better after beginning to exercise your TMJ slowly and consistently. Many times, the symptoms will go away, allowing you to engage in more activities painlessly.
Book your appointment with us here at Essential Dentistry today!