Common Jaw Exercises For TMJ

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TMJDIt’s estimated that over 10 million people suffer from temporomandibular disorder or TMJ. More women than men are affected by it.  Experts are not sure what causes TMJ but the symptoms are many and common. Do you wake in the morning with frequent headaches? Do you have frequent earaches or ringing in your ears? Does your jaw make noise when you open it? Does it click or pop? Do you have jaw pain? If you find yourself answering yes to the above questions, you may have TMJ. Jaw exercises are a common treatment for TMJ.

Exercises

Exercises can help assist with the range of motion of your temporomandibular joint. When performing these jaw stretches they should be held for 30 seconds, and performed four times each, at least four times a day.

Max opening: While opening your mouth as wide as possible, place your hand on your chin and press down gently to increase the opening. You may feel a pull in your jaw joints. Hold this stretch for 30 seconds before releasing then repeat three more times.

Left Lateral Movement: While sliding your jaw as far to the left as you can, place your hand against the left side of your jaw and gently press your jaw further to the left. Hold for 30 seconds then repeat three more times.

Right Lateral Movement: While sliding your jaw as far to the right as you can, place your hand against the right side of your jaw and gently press your jaw further to the right. Hold for 30 seconds then repeat three more times.

ABOUT YOUR NORTH RICHLAND HILLS DENTIST:

With over 25 years of professional experience, Dr. Steven M. Huffstutler and his caring team proudly provide exceptional preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dental treatment to patients and their families across Dallas/Ft. Worth, including North Richland Hills, Denton, the Mid-cities, Southlake, and all surrounding communities. We also have extensive experience helping patients find relief from painful TMJ disorders (various forms of jaw dysfunction). To schedule an appointment with Dr. Huffstutler, contact our office today by calling 817-918-3038.