Do you experience TMJ discomfort? If so, you can do exercises to reduce the level of pain. That does not mean you need to take up weightlifting or Pilates to overcome TMJ pain. The following information reviews oral exercises that are designed to ease TMJ symptoms.
How to Exercise Your Jaw
To reduce TMJ pain, exercise your jaw by opening your mouth as wide as you can and holding for 5 seconds. Repeat five more times. Then, stretch your tongue toward the palate in a separate exercise. The stretching routine will lessen the strain placed on the jaw that, in turn, makes it hurt. You can also massage the gums at the temporomandibular joint to ease any chronic pain or TMJ-caused headache pain. In addition, you can lessen TMJ discomfort by standing with your shoulders back. Pull the chin back and hold for 3 seconds before repeating ten times.
How the Exercises Help
When you take time to move the jaw and do the above exercises, you get the jaw used to moving and to stop locking or feeling strained. According to a study report published in the Journal of Dental Research, opening and closing the mouth and performing TMJ-related exercises increases your range of motion. More so, the range of motion is greater than what you can achieve by wearing a mouthguard alone. Therefore, exercising the jaw joints and muscles makes the jaw flexible, which decreases jaw pain. By moving the jaw, you, in a sense, are keeping the joints from getting "rusty." By following a regular schedule of exercise, you add to the adaptability of the muscles and joints.
If you have problems with TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder), you should contact us about your complaint. We can help you realize more comfort and fewer frustrations when dealing with TMD. Give us a call today to arrange an appointment for an exam and consultation. We will take images of your jaw to find the underlying reason for your joint discomfort.
Young Jun DDS MD FACS, 601 E. Yorba Linda Blvd. #9, Placentia, CA 92870 • (657) 216-1617 • placentiaoralsurgery.com • 10/4/2024 • Key Phrases: dental implants Placentia CA •
Do you experience TMJ discomfort? If so, you can do exercises to reduce the level of pain. That does not mean you need to take up weightlifting or Pilates to overcome TMJ pain. The following information reviews oral exercises that are designed to ease TMJ symptoms.