Celebrating 30 years of Trustworthy Expertise, Dr. Kian Djawdan is a Board Certified Implantologist and considered an expert in implant dentistry.
Jaw Exercises Can Ease Some TMD Pain
Posted on 5/10/2021 by Kian Djawdan DMD
Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) allows you to open and close your mouth easily. When the joints are under pressure from strenuous talking and chewing, you may feel some pain in your jaw, meaning you have a TMJ or TMD disorder. Though this pain (if it is not chronic) can go away on its own, stretching, strengthening, and relaxation exercises can help alleviate it.
Stretching Exercises
These exercises help reduce joint and muscle tension offering relief to the pain. To do this exercise, relax your jaw and place the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth, then gently open your mouth as wide as you can. Maintain that position for at least ten seconds, and then gently close your mouth. Once you close your mouth, slowly move your jaw to the left as far out as you can without turning your neck. Hold the position for at least ten seconds, move your jaw back to the center, and repeat the same to the right. Lastly, place an object that's a quarter of an inch between your front teeth, then push your jaw forward. Ensure that the bottom teeth are in front of the top teeth.
Strengthening Exercises
These exercises are ideal when the TMD pain flares up. You can place your thumb under your chin and try to open your mouth forcefully. Do this for five to 10 seconds. Your thumb will act as a resistance, and this can provide some relief. You can also put your index finger between your lower lip and chin and push inside while trying to close your mouth against the resistance.
[[[H2:Relaxation Exercises]] If the TMD pain is a result of stress, relaxation exercises would be ideal. To manage the pain, slowly inhale and allow your stomach to expand. Count to ten, then exhale slowly. Repeat this five to 10 times. You can also sit or lie down and release the tension from the muscles of your body. Contact us for more information about TMD pain.
Dental Blog - Annapolis, MD • Djawdan Center Dr. Kian Djawdan has created this informative blog to help educate the community. Click to read out latest blog posts. Djawdan Center for Implant and Restorative Dentistry, 133 Defense Highway STE 210, Annapolis, MD 21401; (443) 569-8764; smileannapolis.com; 11/19/2024; Key Phrases: Dental Implants Annapolis MD;
Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) allows you to open and close your mouth easily. When the joints are under pressure from strenuous talking and chewing, you may feel some pain in your jaw, meaning you have a TMJ or TMD disorder. Though this pain (if it is not chronic) can go away on its own, stretching, strengthening, and relaxation exercises can help alleviate it.