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The jaw joint

The jaw joint is one of the most important joints in the body. We use it intensively. The jaw muscles ensure that the lower jaw moves and enable us to bite, swallow, and chew, but also to speak, sing, blow, yawn, laugh, and kiss.

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Temporomandibular joint complaints

Muscles and joints that do not function properly can cause discomfort. The most common complaints are painful and fatigued chewing muscles, limited mouth opening, or radiating pain into the head, neck, and shoulders. Jaw joint sounds may also occur, such as clicking or grinding noises when opening or closing the mouth. Generally, jaw joint complaints are more annoying than dangerous. Biting and chewing food, brushing teeth, and yawning are particularly difficult with these types of complaints.

Dental Center Netherlands (TCN) has dental practices throughout North Holland. Including in Alkmaar, Bergen, Castricum, Haarlem, Heerhugowaard, Westzaan, Zaandam and Beaverwijk.

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Causes

The most common causes of jaw complaints are: incorrect oral habits such as frequent clenching or grinding. This causes the chewing muscles to become fatigued. This can lead to pain in the chewing muscles and the jaw joint. Jaw complaints can also arise from overstretching of the joint after, for example, a blow or an accident. In addition, the consequences of wear and tear on the joint are also among the possible causes of jaw complaints.

Exercises for the jaw

Why exercise? — Sometimes jaw joint complaints can be persistent and very bothersome. In that case, it is important to do exercises. They help you to open your mouth wider and to alleviate the pain.

  • Relax lower jaw;
  • Massage chewing muscles;
  • Hinge exercise;
  • Opening the mouth;
  • Move sideways.

Advice bee jaw complaints

  • Eat small amounts of food at a time;
  • Eat mainly soft foods, or blend them with an immersion blender, for example;
  • Do not eat tough or hard food, such as tough meat, nuts, hard apples, baguette, and raw carrots;
  • Preferably chew on the side where the pain is located;
  • Support the lower jaw when yawning so that the mouth opens less wide;
  • Avoid habits such as nail biting, chewing gum, grinding teeth, and clenching your teeth.

General guidelines for the exercises

Keep your face and jaw as relaxed as possible while exercising. Ideally, perform the exercises in front of a mirror so you can see the movement of your lower jaw. Your dentist will discuss with you how often you can do the exercises. Generally, the rule is: perform the exercises 2 or 3 times a day, doing them briefly and gently. Try to build a routine by performing them at a fixed time, for example, after getting up, at midday, or before going to sleep.

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