Bruxism is a commonly known pathology. One of the main problems that occurs is the wear of the teeth caused by excessive compression of the jaw during the day or night. This force in excess of the jaw can also cause pain in the cervical area as well as in the entire temporomandibular joint area.
The symptoms that accompany this pathology are: pain and inflammation of the jaw joint, pain in the head due to overstimulation of the nervous structures and pain may also appear in the ear.
We are all aware that it is important to adopt a good body posture to avoid ailments in the future. We must know that it is equally important to learn to relax and at the same time exercise the jaw so that it also adopts a good posture.
The realisation of many of the exercises should be in front of a mirror to become aware of the correct performance, and you can apply them to relax, relieve pain, or strengthen the jaw. You can use a jaw exerciser for this purpose. Some of the exercises that will bring you benefits are:
- Massage of the muscles. To help improve circulation in that area and help decompression of the condyles. Remember that the jaw extends near the temples and above the ears, areas that can also be massaged.
- Opening and closing with the tongue on the palate. With the mouth closed and relaxed we place the tip of the tongue on the palate. Without taking off the tongue you have to open and close your mouth. Pay attention not to move the jaw sideways.
- Pull the ears. Lying down, we must grab the lobe of the ear and pull gently towards the feet until we notice a resistance. At this point we must maintain tension and notice that the tissue begins to relax.
- Lateral mobility. With the mouth relaxed we will move the jaw to the left and right.
- Previous mobility. Unlike lateral mobility, with the relaxed box we move the jaw forward and backward.
- Opening with resistance. Placing the hand under the chin and exerting a small pressure will be forced with the jaw to try to open the mouth.
- Previous mobility against resistance. Placing the hand on the chin and performing a small pressure will try to bring the jaw forward.
- Cervical and sternocleidomastoid stretches. Both muscles are closely related to the temporomandibular joint and their relaxation will help.
Different types of devices are available for jaw or face exercises such facial exerciser. It is recommended for those people who suffer acute pain to go to a physiotherapist so that he can help them and give them some guidelines on what exercises to perform.