Your Five Minute TMJ Cure

Temporomandibular joint disorder, also known as TMJ, is a relatively common jaw disorder that occurs in up to 10% of the population. TMJ can occur at any age, but most often affects those in early adulthood and women. The cause of TMJ is not known, but it is believed to be caused by the displacement of the cartilage joining the jaw to the skull. TMJ can also be brought on by orthodontic work, badly fitting dentures and nutritional deficiencies.

The symptoms of TMJ include jaw pain, clicking and trouble opening and closing the mouth. In addition, sufferers may experience frequent earaches, facial pain, headache, neck pain and tinnitus. TMJ sufferers often grind their teeth in an attempt to relieve the pain and find a comfortable bite. It is not uncommon for the tissues around the jaw to swell and for the jaw to drop to one side when the mouth is opened.

There is no single TMJ cure, and doctors commonly prescribe painkillers to help relieve the discomfort. However, there are exercises which have been found to be helpful for strengthening the jaw muscles which can help to improve the symptoms of TMJ.

The Five Minute TMJ Cure.

This exercise has been very helpful for relieving pain in TMJ sufferers and has even cured the condition completely in some patients.

1. Place back teeth together, close mouth and place the tip of the tongue on the roof of the mouth just behind the front teeth.


2. Keeping teeth closed together, try to move the tongue as far back as possible whilst keeping it on the roof of the mouth.


3. Keeping tongue in the backward position, open the mouth gently until a slight tugging sensation occurs. The sensation should not be painful to the tongue, if pain occurs close the mouth slightly. Hold this for about 15 seconds. Relax for a few seconds.


4. Repeat the whole process for 5 minutes.

This exercise is most effective when repeated twice a day, once in the morning and once at night.

Another very effective exercise for TMJ sufferers who have a deviated jaw (one which drops to one side when the mouth is opened) is this process which is designed to realign the jaw.

1. In front of a mirror, try to open the mouth straight. This can be very difficult and even a little painful at first.


2. Open and close the jaw in the correct way eight times and then rest for thirty seconds.


3. Repeat the sequence twice more.


4. The exercise should be repeated three times each day.

Although these exercises may not provide a complete TMJ cure for some people, they should go a long way to relieving the pain and symptoms associated with the disorder.