TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Disease)
Temporomandibular Joint Disease
Before starting with a program, ask your doctor if you are healthy enough to do these exercises. Your doctor may have you work with a physical therapist to make a safe exercise program to meet your needs. Strengthening exercises - Strengthening exercises keep your muscles firm and strong. Start by doing each exercise 2 to 3 times and work up to 10 times each. Try to do the exercises 2 to 3 times each day. Do all exercises slowly. Do these in front of a mirror, if possible. Jaw opening/closing with tongue on roof of mouth - Close your mouth. Put your tongue on the top of your mouth by your front teeth. Now slide your tongue along the roof of your mouth as far back as you can. Open your mouth while keeping your tongue on the roof of the mouth. Chin tucks - Stand up straight. Tuck your chin in and lengthen the back of your neck. Return to the starting position and repeat. It may help to stand up against a wall during this exercise. Try gently pushing your chin with two fingers while trying to flatten your neck against the wall. If you do this exercise lying down, try using a small rolled up washcloth under your neck. Push down into the washcloth when tucking in your chin. Resisted jaw opening and closing – First, put your thumb under your jaw. Slowly open your mouth while you give some pressure with your thumb to make it harder. Hold your mouth open for 5 seconds. Repeat. Next, open your mouth. Grab the part of your chin that juts out with your index finger and thumb. Slowly close your mouth while you give pressure with your finger to make it harder. Repeat. Side to side and forward jaw movements - Place a quarter of an inch object such as a pen, tongue depressor, or a dental cotton roll in between your teeth. Slowly move your jaw from side to side. Repeat 10 times. Next, slowly move your bottom jaw forward. Repeat 10 times. You may also want to hold this exercise for 20 to 30 seconds for a few of the repetitions in order to stretch the muscles. Each day gradually increase the height of the object or objects.
Name
TMJ Exercises
General
Before starting with a program, ask your doctor if you are healthy enough to do these exercises. Your doctor may have you work with a physical therapist to make a safe exercise program to meet your needs. Strengthening exercises - Strengthening exercises keep your muscles firm and strong. Start by doing each exercise 2 to 3 times and work up to 10 times each. Try to do the exercises 2 to 3 times each day. Do all exercises slowly. Do these in front of a mirror, if possible. Jaw opening/closing with tongue on roof of mouth - Close your mouth. Put your tongue on the top of your mouth by your front teeth. Now slide your tongue along the roof of your mouth as far back as you can. Open your mouth while keeping your tongue on the roof of the mouth. Chin tucks - Stand up straight. Tuck your chin in and lengthen the back of your neck. Return to the starting position and repeat. It may help to stand up against a wall during this exercise. Try gently pushing your chin with two fingers while trying to flatten your neck against the wall. If you do this exercise lying down, try using a small rolled up washcloth under your neck. Push down into the washcloth when tucking in your chin. Resisted jaw opening and closing – First, put your thumb under your jaw. Slowly open your mouth while you give some pressure with your thumb to make it harder. Hold your mouth open for 5 seconds. Repeat. Next, open your mouth. Grab the part of your chin that juts out with your index finger and thumb. Slowly close your mouth while you give pressure with your finger to make it harder. Repeat. Side to side and forward jaw movements - Place a quarter of an inch object such as a pen, tongue depressor, or a dental cotton roll in between your teeth. Slowly move your jaw from side to side. Repeat 10 times. Next, slowly move your bottom jaw forward. Repeat 10 times. You may also want to hold this exercise for 20 to 30 seconds for a few of the repetitions in order to stretch the muscles. Each day gradually increase the height of the object or objects.
Body systems
Dental,Exercise,Neuromuscular and Skeletal
What are other common names?
Axial Extension,Chin Tucks,Forward Jaw Movement,Jaw Closing With Tongue on Roof of Mouth,Jaw Opening With Tongue on Roof of Mouth,Jaw Opening/Closing With Tongue on Roof of Mouth,Resisted Jaw Closing,Resisted Jaw Opening,Side to Side Jaw Movement,Temporomandibular Joint Disorder Exercises,TMD Exercises,TMJ Exercises
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care provider’s advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you.
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