Exercises for TMD Pain Relief
You may not think much about your temporomandibular (TMJ) joints, but you use them a lot. Your jawbone binds the joints of your skull. Every time you talk, chew, and swallow, your TMJ springs into action.
When something goes wrong with the jaw joints and jaw muscles, TMJ disorders occur. Sometimes, this occurs due to damage to the jaw, inflammation such as arthritis, or overuse. Ask your TMJ specialist to have it treated.
Relaxed exercise of the jaw
Rest your tongue softly behind your upper front teeth, on the top of your mouth. While relaxing your jaw muscles, allow your teeth to fall apart.
Goldfish exercises (partial opening)
On the roof of your mouth and one finger in front of your ear where your TMJ is located, put your tongue. Place on your chin with your middle or pointer finger. Halfway, drop the lower jaw and then close. Mild resistance, but not discomfort, should be present. Placing one finger on each TMJ while you drop the lower jaw halfway and close it again is a modification of this exercise. In one set, do this exercise six times. Six times a day, you can do one package.
Goldfish exercises (full opening)
Place one finger on the TMJ and another finger on your chin, holding your tongue on the roof of your mouth. Completely drop the lower jaw and back. Place one finger on each TMJ for a variation of this exercise. Six times a day, you can complete one set.
Chin tuck
"Pull your head straight down with your shoulders back and chest up, forming a "double chin." Keep for three seconds and repeat 10 times.
Resisted mouth opening
Under your chin, put your thumb. Slowly open your mouth, pressing softly for resistance against your chin. Keep it for three to six seconds, then slowly shut your mouth.
Other ways the TMJ pain can be controlled
Over-the-counter pain relievers can help alleviate TMJ pain, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen. For extreme pain, muscle relaxers can be prescribed. Often, TMJ dentists can recommend:
Mouth protectors to stop teeth grinding and jaw clenching
To help realign your jaw, mouth guards
Hot towels
Ice, not more than 15 minutes per hour and not on the skin directly.
Stress-relief strategies to help prevent habits that trigger jaw discomfort
To relieve pressure in the affected area, acupuncture
More invasive procedures may be needed for severe pain caused by damaged joints. As a last resort, surgery could be thought by a TMJ specialist. No clinical evidence exists that surgical procedures are safe and efficient for TMJ disorders.
With quick lifestyle changes, TMJ pain can also be controlled. Maybe you wish to:
Eat a gentle diet so that the TMJ can relax
Avoiding gum chewing
Refrain from chewing the nails
Prevent your lower lip from biting
Practicing proper posture
Limit major jaw movements
Tips for pain relief during dental treatment
It can be painful to practice simple oral hygiene if you have TMJ. This involves teeth brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleanings.
To minimize discomfort and to make sure your teeth and gums remain healthy, the TMJ Association recommends these tips:
Using a toothbrush that is soft-bristle or a sonic toothbrush.
When you can't open your mouth to floss, use a rubber tip stimulator.
To your regular dental care regimen, apply mouth rinse.
If you are in pain during a dental operation, notify the dental care team.
Apply ice and heat after a dental operation.
Speak about other ways for removing plaque other than flossing with your TMJ dentist. Ask us here at Dempsey Dental for this treatment in OKC for other services in detail, visit our website.
**Disclaimer: This content is not a professional dental or medical advice and does not imply a relationship between patient and care provider or the doctors.