Useful TMJ exercises to get relief from a jaw pain | Fusion - WeRIndia

Temporomandibular joint and muscle (TMJ) disorders affect the jaw joints as well as the surrounding muscles. There are many reasons for this. Some of them include wear and tear, an improper bite, arthritis, trauma etc.

The most common symptoms reported by people suffering from TMJ disorder are jaw tenderness, facial pain, headaches, and earaches.

TMJ disorders can cause pain and discomfort, yet they can be relieved with some natural methods and TMJ exercises.

Though these exercises can be done by most of the affected people, it is better to get the advice of your dentist before doing them.

Here is a list of some useful TMJ exercises:

• Relax your jaw muscles. Keep your tongue behind the upper front teeth and on the top of your mouth.
• Touch the roof of your mouth with your tongue. While doing this, slowly open and close your mouth. It helps reduce muscle tension.
• Keep your thumb under your chin. Slowly open your mouth while trying to push it against the chin. Then close your mouth. Repeat the process a few times or as long as you can. This exercise helps strengthen your jaw muscles.
• Using your thumb and index finger, try to squeeze your jaw. While doing it, slowly close your mouth. It also helps strengthen jaw muscles.

In addition to these exercises, the following tips are also useful:

• Inhale while allowing your stomach to expand and slowly exhale. Repeat it five times. It helps you relax.
• Manage your pain with hot or cold compresses. You can apply them directly to the affected area to relieve the pain.
• Add soft food to your diet to avoid pain.
• Try to reduce jaw movements.
• Other methods like acupuncture, relaxation exercises, posture improvement, and exercises related to joints also help reduce pain and discomfort.

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