Because of the numerous causes and unpredictable nature of TMD, it’s highly recommended that you visit Chapko & Shah Modern Dentistry at our Belvidere office. Talking to one of our dentists will help ensure that your treatment is effective and that your relief is long-lasting. If you want to control your symptoms in the meantime, we recommend the following:
Studies conducted for Sage Journals demonstrate that jaw exercises help increase the range of jaw movement and encourage fast recovery. Colgate offers a detailed list of jaw exercises you can do on your own.
Chew on soft foods or stick to a liquid diet that won’t put a lot of stress on your jaw.
Avoid chewing gum, biting on anything hard, and biting your lip.
Practice good posture.
Avoid large jaw movements such as yawning, yelling, and singing.
Apply ice or heat in the form of an ice pack or a hot water bottle to alleviate pain and reduce swelling.