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Exercising Your Jaw Could Prevent an Increase in Tmj Pain

Posted on 1/1/2026 by Dr. Michael Allard

A dentist in scrubs discussing an X-ray with a female patient holding her jaw, indicating TMJ pain or dysfunction.

Have you ever experienced pain or discomfort in your jaw joint? If so, you might be one of the millions of Americans who suffer from temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ).

TMJ is a condition that affects the temporomandibular joint, which connects your jawbone to your skull. This joint allows you to open and close your mouth, talk, and chew. When the TMJ is inflamed or damaged, it can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

•	Jaw pain
•	Clicking or popping sounds in the jaw
•	Difficulty opening or closing the mouth
•	Facial pain
•	Headaches

While the causes of TMJ are complex and varied, there are a few things you can do to reduce your risk of developing this condition, or to manage it if you already have it. One important step is to practice good oral care habits. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and seeing your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.

How Can Oral Care Help?

Good oral care helps to keep your teeth and gums healthy, which can reduce inflammation in the mouth and jaw. Inflammation is often a contributing factor to TMJ, so by taking steps to prevent or reduce inflammation, you can lower your risk of experiencing TMJ symptoms.

Restoration Dentistry and TMJ

In some cases, TMJ can be caused by problems with the bite. This may occur due to missing teeth, misaligned teeth, or other dental issues. If you have bite problems, a restorative dentist can help to correct them. This may involve procedures such as fillings, crowns, bridges, or dentures. By restoring your bite, you can help to reduce stress on the TMJ and alleviate TMJ pain.

Jaw Exercises for TMJ

In addition to good oral care and restorative dentistry, there are a few simple jaw exercises that you can do to help prevent or manage TMJ symptoms. These exercises can help to strengthen the muscles surrounding the TMJ and improve its range of motion.

Here are a few simple jaw exercises that you can try:

•	Open and close your mouth slowly and gently. Repeat 10 times.
•	Slide your jaw forward and backward. Hold each position for 5 seconds. Repeat 10 times.
•	Move your jaw from side to side. Hold each position for 5 seconds. Repeat 10 times.
•	Gently massage your jaw muscles with your fingers.

It is important to perform these exercises slowly and gently. Do not force your jaw beyond its comfortable range of motion. If you experience any pain, stop the exercise immediately.

These exercises are just a few of the things you can do to prevent or manage TMJ pain. If you are experiencing TMJ symptoms, it is important to see your dentist or a TMJ specialist for diagnosis and treatment. They can help you develop a treatment plan that is right for you.

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Arrowhead Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 18555 N 79th Ave, Suite A-103, Glendale, AZ 85308-8370 • (623) 738-2564 • arrowheadoralsurgery.com • 1/16/2026 • Page Phrases: Dental Implants Glendale AZ •