You may have tension in your jaw without realizing it. If this is the case, your jaw may be shifted to one side or the other. [3] X Research source When the mouth is closed and in a neutral position, the lips should be closed but the teeth should not be in contact.
Be careful not to over-stretch, the joints in your neck and jaw are small and can be easily irritated. There is no need to open your mouth past the point of discomfort. [4] X Research source Hold this position for five seconds. While you do this, look upward toward the ceiling. If there is any tension in your cheeks, you will begin to feel the muscles relax as you stretch and hold this position.
Hold this positions for five seconds. Remember to keep your eyes to the right as you hold this stretch. You may feel tension in the opposite corners of your jaw.
Hold for five seconds. Allow the muscles to relax before returning your jaw to a neutral position.
Symptoms of bruxism can include flattened, flat, loose, or chipped teeth, worn tooth enamel, increased tooth sensitivity, headaches originating in the temples, pain that feels like an earache, and indentations on your tongue. [5] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
For example, check your jaw for tightness every time you walk through a doorway, close a browser window, or go to the bathroom. Choose actions you know you perform multiple times on a daily basis.
To massage your jaw, place your fingertips on your lower jaw and move them up, pushing on the skin while you do this. Once your fingers reach your scalp, remove them and start the movement again from your lower jaw. Do this for about 2 minutes. [11] X Research source
