If you’re dealing with a locked jaw, you’re probably also dealing with a lot of TMJ pain and frustration. While there is no surefire cure for this condition, specific jaw exercises for a locked jaw can help ease the symptoms and improve jaw mobility.
You may not be able to eat certain foods, speak properly, or brush your teeth.
Contents
Or, You might be a person who actually wants to fix a locked jaw for your relative. Imagine, a person who can’t eat and talk properly. Need your immediate attention and you can suggest some exercises before he or she will see a doctor. you will be a savior for them.
This article will share some of the best Jaw exercises for a locked jaw.
9 EffectivJaw Exercises For Locked Jaw
If you’re dealing with TMJ pain (Locked Jaw), you’re not alone. According to the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, over 10 million Americans suffer from TMJ disorders.
The good news is that some exercises can help alleviate your pain.
1. Relaxed Jaw Exercise
Try opening your mouth as wide as possible and holding it for five seconds. Then close your mouth and press your tongue against the roof of your mouth for five seconds. Repeat this process ten times.
Next, try holding a pencil or pen in your teeth and gently moving it side to side for 30 seconds. Then move the pencil up and down for 30 seconds.
Finally, try circling the pencil around in your mouth for 30 seconds. Repeat this process three times.
These exercises should help to relax your jaw muscles and ease any pain or discomfort you’re feeling.
2. Goldfish Exercises
Goldfish exercises are a great way to get started. To do a goldfish exercise, start by sitting straight in a chair with your feet on the floor.
Next, open your mouth as wide as possible and stick out your tongue.
Then, close your eyes and use your tongue to push against the roof of your mouth for 10 seconds. Finally, relax your jaw and repeat the exercise 10 times.
Not only will this exercise help to loosen your jaw, but it will also strengthen the muscles in your face.
3. Chin Tucks
Chin tucks are a great exercise for people who have a locked jaw. By gently tucking your chin down, you can help to release the tension in your jaw and improve your range of motion.
To do a chin tuck, sit up tall and tilt your head down, so your chin is pointing towards your chest. You should feel a stretch along the front of your neck. Hold this position for 10-15 seconds before slowly returning to the starting position.
Repeat this exercise several times daily to help reduce the pain and stiffness associated with a locked jaw.
4. Resisted Opening Of The Mouth
One exercise you can try is the resisted opening of the mouth. To do this, put your thumb inside your mouth and push against your teeth. Then, try to open your mouth as wide as you can against the resistance of your thumb.
Hold for ten seconds and repeat 10 times.
5. Side-to-Side Movement
Another helpful exercise is called the side-to-side movement. For this one, place your index fingers on either side of your jaw and move your jaw from side to side, keeping your fingers in place.
Do this for 30 seconds and then rest for 30 seconds before repeating 2-3 more times.
6. Resisted Closing of The Mouth
To do this exercise:
- Put your thumb inside your mouth and push against your teeth.
- Try to close your mouth as tightly as you can against the resistance of your thumb.
- Hold for 10 seconds and repeat ten times.
These exercises should help to loosen your jaw and reduce any pain or discomfort you’re feeling.
7. Tongue Up
Put your tongue on the roof of your mouth and try to open your jaw. You may feel a stretch in your jaw muscles. Hold for 10 seconds, and then release. Repeat ten times.
8. Forward Jaw Movement
One forward jaw movement exercise is sitting up straight in a chair with your back against the chair. Open your mouth as wide as you can and then close it slowly. Repeat this ten times.
These exercises should help loosen up your locked jaw and ease the pain associated with TMJ.
9. Internal Masseter
This exercise is performed by clenching the teeth and pulling the mandible (lower jaw) toward the spine.
The goal of this exercise is to stretch the masticatory muscles, which are located in the lower jaw. These muscles help to move food through the mouth.
By performing this exercise, you may be able to reduce the severity and duration of symptoms associated with a locked jaw.
Tips for Relieving Pain During Dental Care
If you’re dealing with a locked jaw, there are some things you can do to make dental care more comfortable. Here are a few tips:
1. Use a soft toothbrush: A softer toothbrush will be easier on your jaw and won’t aggravate any pain you may be feeling.
2. Be gentle when flossing: Flossing can be tough on a locked jaw, so take it slow and be gentle.
3. Try an electric toothbrush: An electric toothbrush can do a lot of the work for you, which can be helpful if your jaw is in pain.
4. Use numbing agents: If your pain is really bad, you may want to try using a numbing agent before starting dental care. This can help make the process more bearable.
5. Use a mouthwash: use a mouthwash that numbs. There are some great products on the market that numb your mouth and lessen pain while you’re brushing.
What Is Locked Jaw | Understanding TMJ
Locked jaw, or TMJ, is a condition that can be painful and disruptive. Understanding what it is and how it works can help you get the treatment you need to feel better from jaw pain.
TMJ occurs when the temporomandibular joint connects the lower jaw to the skull and becomes inflamed or damaged. This can happen for various reasons, including clenching or grinding your teeth, an injury to the joint, or arthritis.
Causes For Locked Jaw
There are many reasons someone might experience a locked jaw, making it difficult to open and close the mouth. The causes can range from:
- Physical trauma to the jawbone
- Misalignment of the teeth
- Inflammation of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
- In some cases, a locked jaw can also be due to psychological conditions such as anxiety or stress.
- One of the most common causes of a locked jaw is TMJ disorder. This condition is caused by inflammation of the temporomandibular joint, which is the joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull.
- TMJ disorder can be caused by several factors, including clenching or grinding of the teeth, arthritis, or even stress.
Symptoms Of Locked Jaw
Symptoms of a locked jaw include:
- Pain and tenderness in the jaw,
- Difficulty opening and closing the mouth,
- Clicking or popping sounds when moving the jaw
- Swelling on the side of the face.
If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is essential to see a doctor or dentist so that they can diagnose and treat the problem.
.
Takeaway | Jaw Exercises For Locked Jaw
In conclusion, doing jaw exercises can help to relieve a locked jaw. The activities should be done slowly and carefully at first and then increased in speed and intensity as your jaw gets stronger.
If you have any pain while doing the exercises, stop immediately and consult your doctor.
FAQs | Jaw Exercises for Locked Jaw
How Can I Loosen My Locked Jaw?
There are a few things you can do to loosen a locked jaw:
- Gently massage the muscles in your jaw.
- Apply heat to the area.
- Stretch your jaw by opening it as wide as you can and then moving it from side to side.
How Do I Realign My Tmj Jaw?
1. Avoid chewing gum
2. Eat soft foods
3. Do jaw exercises
4. Use a mouthguard
5. Use a night splint
How Do I Release My Jawline?
There are a few things you can do to release your jawline:
1. Massage your jaw muscles with your fingers for a few minutes each day.
2. Eat soft foods that don’t require a lot of chewing.
3. Avoid clenching or grinding your teeth.
4. Do jaw exercises that stretch and strengthen the muscles.
Will Your Jaw Unlock Itself?
No, your jaw will not unlock itself. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort in your jaw, you should see a doctor or dentist to have it checked out. And also you can try some exercises that are very fruitful if you do them correctly.