Many people suffer with jaw joint (TMJ) problems. Sometimes some simple advice is helpful.
- Don’t bite your fingernails
- Never bite your lower lip
- Avoid biting on your front teeth
- Keep your upper and lower teeth apart when you are at rest
- The dentist can also recommend some exercises that can help strengthen the muscles that pull the lower jaw backwards. This in turn will relax the muscles that close the mouth and will prevent from functioning those muscles that pull the jaw forward and to one side. The jaw joint will act more as a hinge and this will take the strain off it.
- We can also provide patients with a custom made mouthguard if requried, to wear at night time to prevent any long term problems with teeth or jaw.
