TMJ Relaxation Tips

    HOUSTON, TX, June 30, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Anyone who suffers from temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) knows how painful the condition is and how important it is to relax the jaw and the muscles in the face, neck, shoulders, and back. Many people who suffer from TMJ experience debilitating pain in these areas. This pain is caused by tension in the muscles due to the misalignment of the temporomandibular joint in the jaw.

A misaligned temporomandibular joint will make the jaw open and close off kilter, forcing the muscles on one side of the face to work much harder than the other muscles to properly open and close the mouth. The muscles that are working harder tend to become fatigued and start to hurt. The muscles that are not working as hard tend to weaken and lose the necessary strength to help with proper jaw function and alignment.

The muscles in the face are not the only muscles that can be over worked and become fatigued. A misaligned jaw will also affect the muscles in your neck, shoulders, and back leading to pain and symptoms that may not seem related to TMJ.

It is important for patients to learn to relax their muscles to help reduce the amount of pain caused by TMJ. Relaxation exercises and practices will help your comfort level and keep the pain at a minimum while you seek TMJ treatment. These relaxation tips are a temporary way to relieve the pain. Seeking TMJ treatment from a dentist who specializes in neuromuscular dentistry is the only way to find permanent relief.

Relaxation Tips for TMJ

When you visit your neuromuscular dentist about your TMJ, please ask about what you can do at home to help your muscles relax. Your neuromuscular dentist will be able to give you tips and some jaw exercises to help you relax.

Successful tips that have helped many patients with TMJ are:

- Applying moist heat
- Using cold packs
- Performing jaw exercises
- Eating a soft diet
- Deep breathing
- Massage therapy
- Yoga
- Sleeping on your side
- Support your chin while you yawn

Moist heat will help your muscles relax, reduce the pain, and improve muscle function. Wrap a moist towel over a hot water bottle or a heat pack and apply it to the muscles that are causing you pain. Please make sure not to burn yourself.

Use a cold pack to reduce the inflammation in the muscles and to promote healing. A cold pack will also help to numb the pain and give your relief.

Jaw exercises can help in two ways. They can help relax the tense muscles that are over working and help the underused muscles gain strength. Jaw exercises will help train your muscles to function and open and close your jaw properly. Also focus on relaxing your jaw throughout the day. Make sure you are not clenching your teeth. Keep your lips together and your teeth apart.

Ask your neuromuscular dentist about a dental appliance to help keep your teeth apart and relax your jaws. There are several dental appliances to help people who suffer from TMJ. Your neuromuscular dentist will prescribe the right appliance for you and have it custom-made to fit your mouth perfectly.

If you suffer from TMJ and would like to learn more about and the treatments available in the Houston, Texas area, please visit the website of Konig Center for Cosmetic & Comprehensive Dentistry at www.konigdds.com.

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