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Exercises You Can Try to Help with Pain from TMJ
August 21, 2022
If you’ve never experienced temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder before, you’ve probably never really given much thought to that part of your face. Despite that, it’s something you use all day, every day. Talking, chewing, and swallowing all require the use of this joint. Because of that, once you find yourself dealing with TMJ disorders, you’ll never stop thinking about it. Fortunately, there are some exercises you can try to help relieve some of the pain those disorders cause.
Resisted Opening and Closing of the Mouth
For these exercises, use your hand and fingers to provide gentle resistance for your jaw to work against.
To do a resisted opening exercise, place your thumb under your chin and slowly open your mouth, resisting the movement with your thumb. Hold that position for 3-6 seconds before slowly closing your mouth.
To do a resisted closing exercise, open your mouth and place your chin between the index finger and thumb of one hand and squeeze gently. Slowly close your mouth, using your fingers to gently resist the movement.
Forward and Side-to-Side Jaw Movement
For these exercises, you’ll need an object that is about ¼-inch thick that can be placed between your teeth.
To do a forward jaw movement exercise, place the object between your teeth and slowly move your jaw from side to side. You may be able to increase the thickness of the object as the exercise becomes easier.
To do a side-to-side jaw movement exercise, place the object between your teeth and move your bottom jaw forward so that the bottom teeth move in front of the top teeth. Again, the thickness of the object may be increased as the exercise becomes easier.
Tongue Up and Relaxed Jaw Exercises
All you need for these exercises is your tongue.
To do a tongue up exercise, simply touch your tongue to the roof of your mouth and slowly open and close your mouth.
To do a relaxed jaw exercise, gently rest your tongue on the roof of your mouth behind your upper front teeth and allow your teeth to come apart while relaxing your jaw muscles.
Gentle exercises can help relieve some of the pain you may be experiencing as a result of TMJ disorders. It’s a lot like how physical therapy can help you recover from other injuries. In this case, it’s an injury to your face, specifically the joint where your jawbone connects to your cheekbone. Talk to your dentist about trying some of these simple exercises to help relieve your TMJ symptoms at your next appointment.
Some people find that getting a mouthguard to use at night helps with TMJ disorders. Click here to learn more about what a night mouthguard can do for you from South Temple Dental today.
Getting a tooth extracted can feel daunting, but understanding why extractions are sometimes necessary—and how to prepare for the procedure—helps alleviate anxiety. In many cases, removing a tooth can preserve and protect the overall integrity of your smile. By learning what to expect before, during, and after your appointment, you can confidently approach the process and set yourself up for a smooth recovery. Why Extractions Become Necessary Several factors can prompt a dental professional to recommend extracting a tooth. Severe decay that has compromised too much of the tooth’s structure may leave restoration efforts, such as fillings or crowns, insufficient for preserving oral health. In other situations, a tooth might be fractured or damaged beyond repair. Advanced periodontal (gum) disease affecting bone health can also lead to the need for an extraction, especially if it becomes challenging to support the stability of the affected tooth. Additionally, tooth extractions are sometimes part of comprehensive treatment plans to improve alignment or create adequate space in the mouth. If you have an impacted tooth—often a wisdom tooth that cannot fully emerge above the gum line—removal may be the best route to prevent infection and protect surrounding teeth. According to the Journal of the American Dental Association , extractions can also help manage overcrowding issues. While it’s normal to experience some worry about the process, early planning and open communication with your dental team often ease concerns and enable a confident mindset. Exploring the Procedure Modern dentistry places a significant emphasis on patient comfort, and tooth extraction procedures are typically performed under local anesthesia or another form of sedation. The first step usually involves thorough imaging—such as X-rays—to help your dentist evaluate the condition of the tooth and surrounding bone. This assessment ensures that if there are risks, such as curved or multiple roots, your dentist is well-prepared to navigate them and remove the tooth in the safest way possible. During a simple extraction, the dentist will numb the area around the tooth, and specialized tools gently loosen the tooth from its socket. If the tooth in question has not fully erupted or is severely fractured, a surgical extraction may be required. In this instance, small incisions in the gum tissue provide access to safely remove the tooth. Regardless of the method, your dental team strives to keep you comfortable throughout. You might feel pressure during the procedure, but pain sensations should be minimal. If you experience discomfort, it’s important to communicate immediately with your dental professional so they can adjust your level of anesthesia or sedation. Helpful Tips for a Stress-Free Experience Because dental visits can stir up apprehension in some patients, taking a few simple steps beforehand makes a difference in how you feel. Plan to discuss any existing medical conditions, allergies, or medications with your dentist in advance. This helps your dental team tailor the treatment plan to your specific needs and ensure optimal safety. Avoid eating a large meal directly before an extraction if you’ll be sedated, but do follow any instructions your dentist provides regarding water intake or light snacking. Preparation extends beyond the logistical details. For instance, calming exercises—like diaphragmatic breathing or gentle stretching—can help relax your mind while you wait. If you have concerns about the procedure itself, talking openly with your dentist or hygienist often relieves worries. They can walk you through exactly what to expect, address any fears, and discuss customization options like sedation. Remember that choosing a trusted dental practice that prioritizes clear communication is a vital step toward a worry-free experience. Post-Extraction Care for a Successful Recovery The recovery phase plays a critical role in ensuring that your mouth heals swiftly and thoroughly. Immediately after an extraction, it is common to apply gauze to the site, helping to control bleeding and create a blood clot. Be mindful not to disturb the clot, as it protects the underlying bone and nerve endings. Avoid rinsing your mouth vigorously, drinking through a straw, or consuming overly hot foods for at least the first 24 hours. Doing so might dislodge the clot and prolong healing. As your mouth recovers, stick to soft foods that require minimal chewing—soups, yogurt, applesauce, and mashed vegetables are typically easy to manage. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids but limit alcoholic or caffeinated beverages, as they can slow the healing process. Good oral hygiene is still essential, but be gentle around the extraction site. Carefully brushing off plaque in other areas of the mouth and rinsing lightly with a mild saline solution—recommended by many dentists and backed by Mayo Clinic —can keep the healing site clean without creating irritation. If you notice persistent swelling, prolonged bleeding, or discomfort that worsens over time, contact your dentist promptly. Planning Your Follow-Up Visit After an extraction, follow-up visits help gauge the progress of your recovery. Your dentist may recommend an appointment around a week or two later to make sure the socket is healing well and to check for any complications. This visit is also an excellent time to discuss a long-term plan for replacing the extracted tooth if needed. Options like dental implants, bridges, or partial dentures are popular methods to address gaps, enhance aesthetics, and maintain proper chewing function. By consulting with your dental professional, you’ll gain personalized insights into whether a temporary restorative solution or a permanent replacement is best suited for you. Investing in a timely replacement not only preserves your smile’s appearance but also supports the integrity of your remaining teeth. Missing teeth can shift over time, and your jawbone health may be affected if they are not replaced. Addressing these concerns early ensures a strong foundation for your continued oral wellness. Where to Learn More and Take the Next Step Recovering from a tooth extraction can be more straightforward than you might imagine when you are equipped with the right information and a caring dental team. Having a clear plan, understanding the procedure, and knowing how to care for yourself afterward make all the difference in feeling confident about your oral health journey. If you have questions about the tooth extraction process or want personalized guidance, visit the Contact Us page on our website. We’re here to help you schedule an appointment, address any concerns, and guide you toward additional services that promote a healthy, beautiful smile. At South Temple Dental, you’ll find a friendly team ready to support you at every phase of your dental care. Let us partner with you to ensure that your tooth extraction experience is as comfortable, efficient, and positive as possible.
Dental sealants offer a proactive way to protect young teeth from cavities, helping children maintain happier, healthier smiles. By forming a strong shield against harmful bacteria, sealants can significantly reduce the risk of tooth decay over the long haul. Below, we delve into how this preventive measure works, the recommended age for receiving them, and the common myths that sometimes surround dental sealants. Understanding the Power of Dental Sealants The concept behind dental sealants is simple yet powerful: a thin, protective coating is placed on the chewing surfaces of back teeth (molars and premolars) to keep food debris and bacteria from settling into the grooves. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , dental sealants have the potential to prevent up to 80% of cavities in the back teeth—the most common area children develop cavities. While brushing twice a day and flossing daily remain crucial, sealants serve as a valuable extra line of defense. Even the most thorough at-home cleaning can miss tiny crevices that house bacteria. Elastic sealants fill those small nooks, preventing decay at its earliest stages. How Sealants Protect Growing Smiles When a child gets a sealant, the tooth surface is first cleaned and dried. Afterward, a solution is gently applied to the tooth to help the sealant bond better. The final step is painting the sealant onto the enamel, where it hardens within seconds under a special curing light. Because the sealant is almost invisible, children can enjoy capped protection without any impact on speech, chewing, or appearance. Once applied, sealants form a reliable barrier that can last for several years, though regular dental checkups will confirm if sealants need reapplication. The American Dental Association (ADA) endorses the use of sealants as an effective form of cavity prevention, as noted in their sealant guidelines . By supplementing routine brushing and flossing, this added shield can provide an extra layer of security for developing smiles. Ideal Age for Dental Sealants Children begin to get their permanent molars around age six, with additional molars appearing in their early teens. During these formative years, introducing dental sealants is often recommended. By coating the back teeth soon after they come in, the risk of cavities can be greatly minimized. While the ideal window for applying sealants is generally around the age children receive their permanent molars, it is never too late to consider this treatment if your child is prone to cavities or has deeply grooved teeth. Talking with a trusted pediatric or general dentist about your child’s dental health history can help determine the right time to apply sealants. Common Myths, Clarified Even with a solid record of success, questions sometimes arise about dental sealants. Let’s address a few: “Sealants contain harmful substances.” Modern sealants are designed to be safe and effective. Many are BPA-free, and any concerns about chemical exposure should be discussed directly with your dentist, who can verify specific product information. “Fluoride does the same job as sealants.” Although fluoride (in toothpaste, mouthwash, and tap water) strengthens enamel and helps resist decay, sealants specifically protect the areas that are most vulnerable to bacteria and plaque. Both fluoride and sealants work together within a comprehensive cavity-prevention strategy. “Sealants make it harder to clean teeth.” In reality, sealants can make brushing more effective by smoothing over the deep grooves that often trap food. Dental hygiene routines continue as normal, and your child’s dentist will still check on the integrity of the sealants at regular visits. Moving Forward Toward Healthier Smiles One of the most rewarding aspects of dental sealants is the boost it gives to both parents and kids. Parents breathe easier knowing they’ve proactively reinforced their child’s teeth, and children feel more enthusiastic about their dental visits when they know they have an extra layer of protection against cavities. In addition to these benefits, maintaining a consistent oral hygiene routine at home remains essential. By combining the protective power of sealants with proper brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups, you’ll encourage a lifetime of strong and healthy teeth. As your child grows, their dentist can keep an eye on how well the sealants are holding up, ensuring a truly long-lasting defense. Next Steps for a Brighter Smile If you’d like to learn more about how dental sealants could fit into your child’s preventive care plan, we invite you to explore our comprehensive services at South Temple Dental . Whether you’re new to our practice or someone we see regularly, we’re here to make every dental visit as comfortable and beneficial as possible. To schedule a consultation or ask any further questions, please visit our Contact page . We look forward to helping your family take the next step in safeguarding those growing smiles.