Home Care for Temporomandibular Joint/Muscle Dysfunction (TMJ)

The following instructions will aid in the healing of a sore jaw joint.

• Do NOT chew gum.
  
• During the initial phase of treatment, particularly if symptoms are acute, stay on a definite soft diet (baby food, soups, milkshakes, eggs, hamburger, etc.)
  
• For the next few months, be sure to cut all foods into small, bite sized pieces and try to avoid opening your mouth any wider than the thickness of your thumb. (1-2 inch).
  
• Do not eat hard crusts of bread, rough meat, raw vegetables, or any other food that will require prolonged chewing.
  
• Do not chew peanuts, ice cubes, or any other substance that is repeatedly milled between your back teeth.
  
• Do not chew gum, bite your lips, clench your teeth or habitually chew the insides of your cheeks.
  
• Try to not thrust your lower jaw forward, as when biting off a piece of thread, applying lipstick, smoking, or through force of habit.
  
• If you must yawn, limit the distance your mouth opens by pulling your lower lip up over the edges of your lower teeth and try to avoid opening your mouth any wider than the thickness of your thumb. (1-2 inch). Place your hand in a fist under your chin to also help prevent your mouth from opening too wide.
  
• Make every effort not to strain your jaw joints unnecessarily by such activities as talking excessively, deliberately popping your jaw joint as one would pop the knuckles of his hand, leaning on the palm of your hand while reading or watching TV, etc. Try to sleep on your back. Avoid sleeping on the side of your face or on your fist.
  
• Apply a cold compress to the area (first 24-48 hours) for 20 minutes at a time every hour. Do not leave the cold compress on longer than 20 minutes at a time.
  
• After the initial 48 hours of the onset of symptoms, apply warm (heat) to the affected area. Continue this for the next few days up to one week after the onset of symptoms. If your symptoms do not subside or go away seek advise from your Dentist, Medical Doctor, or Dr. Thomas immediately.