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A 26-year-old female asked:
What are some good home-care methods to relieve jaw tension, tenderness and stiffness caused by tmj disorder?
3 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in

Dr. Daniel Rubensteinanswered
Dentistry 52 years experience
Jaw pain: TMJ pain is most often caused by bruxism (chronic teeth grinding and /or clenching, usually at night), or a bad bite.
And, it is often related to stress.
See your dentist or a TMJ specialist for a diagnosis and recommendations for treatment.
In the meantime, stay on a soft diet, try not to open your mouth wide, and make sure you are not grinding or clenching your teeth during the daytime.
2.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Dr. Louis Galliaanswered
Surgery - Oral & Maxillofacial 46 years experience
A Few Tips: Self treat with soft diet, jaw exercises, massage, heat/cold, OTC pain meds. Avoid excessive gum chewing. Avoid clenching or grinding teeth. Avoid destructive habits like "popping" your jaw, cracking nuts with your teeth, etc.
If symptoms persist, see TMJ expert.
2.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Dr. Paul Grinanswered
Pain Management 37 years experience
Home TMJ therapy: Eating habit changes (soft diet). Relaxation exercises to reduce pain inducing stress. Conscious diaphragmatic breathing. Jaw stretching exercises for TMJ. See OFP specialist for definitive diagnosis and treatment.
2.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Aug 4, 2015
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