HABITS: Stop chewing habits such as gum chewing, pencil chewing, nail biting etc.

DIET: Avoid hard foods such as carrot sticks and chewy food like tough meat until the symptoms are resolved. Cutting food into small bites will also help.

STRETCHING: Regular exercise helps to relieve tension and increase circulation to the muscles. Aerobics exercise, like a brisk walk or dancing may help. Also, careful stretching in the morning and evening helps. Special attention to the neck, shoulders, arms and back is good. Many TMJ problems are related to tension in these body parts.

POSTURE: Good posture is important. Keep your shoulders straight and head upright when sitting or standing. Avoid postures that tip the neck to one side such as leaning your head while on the phone or looking down sideways while at a computer desk. I would be glad to help you identify other postural problems associated with your job. Simple postural, workstation or desk changes can make a big difference in how you feel.

REST: Sleeping on your back instead of your front may help. If you like to sleep on your side, placing a neck roll (such as a rolled up towel) to support the neck can help.

HEAT, MASSAGE and RELAXATION: Heat and massage to the sore area can help. Try to relax whenever possible. Stress can tighten the neck and jaw muscles. Try to look at some of the ways you can alleviate some of the stressful things in your life.

Not all TMJ problems are muscle tension related. Your doctor or dentist can diagnose you.

Not everyone can treat his or her own problems but it is often worth a try. Please call the office if you have any questions or problems with my recommendations.