Chewing and moving your mouth functions properly all thanks to the muscles and joints that connect your head to mouth strengthened by your neck and body. An important role in this functionality is played by our own Temporomandibular joints. Temporomandibular joints (also known as TMJ) is a joint that connects the jawbone to the skull through the temporal bone. It functions by acting as a sliding hinge that allows your jaw to move in forward or backward motion and helps in grinding food, speaking. It can also aid in other essential functions of the mouth and jaw near your chin and neck. To know more about TMJ and what it does for you, read about TMJ at sleepclinicmelbourne.com.au/tmjd-melbourne/.

How Do I Exercise my Jaw for TMJ Pain?

Since joints and muscles are prone to inflammation or limited movements, jaw exercises for TMJ pain are recommended. This is very beneficial for people who may have undergone accidents involving the face, older people, or just basic health maintenance. However, there is no definite cause for TMJ disorders but some reasons such as arthritis or those mentioned previously could be pointed out. There are many ways to treat pain caused by this disorder but it is best to seek out medical attention by going to the nearest hospital. These tips below can help you do a home remedy if in case this pain suddenly happens to you:

Do some Jaw Stretching and Strengthening

Two kinds of jaw exercises for TMJ pain can be done at home to help in stretching. First is called “Resisted Opening Exercise” where you need to place your thumb on your chin, pushing down your chin while you slowly open your mouth. The other exercise is called “Resisted Closed Exercise” where you have your mouth opened and place your thumb under your chin this time. Then place your same hand’s index finger in the space between your lower lip and chin. Push these two fingers while slowly closing your mouth.

However, if you are already experiencing pain by moving your jaw, it is not recommended to stretch your jaw open to avoid further inflammation or swelling but instead ask your doctor or physical therapist to help you treat this problem. 

Relaxation Exercise and Other Solutions 

Stress can also contribute to your TMJ pain so it’s important to always remind yourself to relax by switching from your sitting or lying position and vice versa. Strained muscles can also contribute to this pain so it is helpful if you massage your jaw down to your neck without applying too much pressure. There are physical therapists that you can book an appointment with to guide you in this process. Treatments such as surgeries needed to treat TMJ disorder depending on the intensity of the pain or if there is swelling of the part where the TMJ is located.

Other Ways to Maintain Your TMJ’s Health

Aside from doing home remedies such as jaw exercises for TMJ pain, there are other clinical treatments that can help ease this situation. Too many teeth grinding or clenching of the mouth while brushing or eating food may affect your TMJ’s condition so be gentle with opening your mouth. Do not forget to check with your local dentist or doctor for a checkup on your health so that the real cause of your pain can be detected. The result is determined through an X-ray examination and can be a visual representation used by the medical or dental practitioner.  The dental treatment that will be given to you will definitely depend on how you feel when having this pain so disclose every information needed.