TMD Do’s and Don’ts: Temporomandibular Joint/Muscle Dysfunction
We have begun your temporomandibular joint/muscle dysfunction (TMJ/TMD) treatment. Our success will depend in large part upon the way you treat the injured areas. The following instructions will greatly enhance the correction and healing of this area.
- 1For the next few months be sure to cut all foods into small bite-sized pieces. Try to avoid opening your mouth any wider than the thickness of your thumb.
- 2Do not eat hard crusts of bread, tough meat, raw vegetables or any other food that will require prolonged chewing.
- 3Avoid using chewing gum during this period of treatment.
- 4Be sure not to protrude your jaw, as you must do when biting off a piece of thread.
- 5Do not bite any food with your front teeth.
- 6If you wear lipstick, do not bring your jaw forward when applying it.
- 7Avoid protruding your jaw during any other activities: for example, smoking, conversation, etc.
- 8Make every effort not to strain your joint ligaments unnecessarily.
- 9Should you find yourself clenching your teeth together, try to remember to keep your “lips together and your teeth apart”.
- 10Try to sleep on your back. Avoid sleeping on your jaw.