The jaw is the largest bone in the human skull. It’s hinged to your skull via the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The disc that cushions this joint enables the jaw to rotate, glide, close, and open. Chewing, talking and sustained motion all together means caring for your TMJ, it’s cushioning disc and surrounding muscles is super important!
Strengthen your jaw muscles by attempting these two exercises periodically –
- Thumb & chin exercise
Place a thumb under your chin and push your chin downward against it. Continue opening the mouth against moderate force from your thumb and hold it open for 5 seconds.
- Index finger exercise
Open your mouth as wide as you can and put your index finger under your lower lip but above your chin. Push your jaw inward while closing your mouth against the resistance.
Relax your jaw muscles and relieve some tension by trying these when you’re feeling stressed
- Tongue on roof exercise – place the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth.
Open your mouth as wide as you comfortably can and hold for 5 seconds. Then glide your lower jaw out as far as it will go, hold for 5 seconds and then back in as far as it will go and hold for 5 seconds again.
- Neutral tongue exercise
Open your mouth as wide as you comfortably can, tongue in neutral position, hold for 5 seconds and close. Then, open your mouth slightly and glide your lower jaw back and forth 5-10 times.
- Eye & jaw exercise
Head facing forward, mouth closed, glance to the right moving your eyes only. Then extend your lower jaw to the left and hold for 5 seconds. Repeat on the opposite side.
If you’re constantly feeling pain and or tension in your jaw and it’s affecting the way you eat (chewing on one side only), your oral health (grinding and clenching teeth), sleep or mood it’s a good idea to see an allied health professional or dentist for a professional opinion.
To chat with one of our Human Movement Co. professionals, book online today!
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