Say goodbye to jaw pain with these 5 exercises
What's the story
Jaw tension can be a common issue for many, often resulting from stress, anxiety, or prolonged periods of clenching or grinding teeth. This tension can lead to discomfort and pain in the jaw area. Performing specific exercises can help relieve this tension and promote relaxation. Here are five effective jaw exercises that may help alleviate discomfort and improve jaw mobility.
Stretching
Gentle jaw stretches
Gentle jaw stretches are a great way to relieve tension. Start by opening your mouth as wide as possible without feeling pain. Hold the position for a few seconds before closing your mouth slowly. Repeat this exercise five times daily to improve flexibility and reduce stiffness in the jaw muscles.
Tongue Press
Tongue press exercise
The tongue press exercise helps strengthen the muscles around the jaw. For this exercise, press your tongue against the roof of your mouth while slowly opening and closing your mouth. Do this 10 times daily to strengthen the muscles supporting your jaw, which can help reduce tension over time.
Chin tuck
Chin tucks
Chin tucks are great for improving posture and relieving jaw tension. Sit or stand up straight with your shoulders relaxed. Gently tuck your chin towards your chest without bending forward or backward. Hold for a few seconds before releasing. Repeat this exercise 10 times daily to help align your head and neck properly.
Side movements
Side-to-side movements
Side-to-side movements also help in relaxing the jaw muscles and improving mobility. Start by gently moving your lower jaw from side to side without clenching or grinding teeth. Continue this motion for about 30 seconds before resting briefly. Then repeat it again three times daily.
Breathing techniques
Controlled breathing techniques
Controlled breathing techniques can reduce stress levels that contribute to jaw tension in the first place. Take deep breaths through your nose, hold them for a moment, then exhale slowly through your mouth. Repeat this process five times whenever you feel stressed out, which might lead you to clench or grind teeth unconsciously during day-to-day activities.