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Temporomandibular Joint/Muscle Dysfunction
Your success will depend in large part upon the way you treat these injured areas. The following instructions will greatly enhance the correction and healing of this area.
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For the next few months, be sure to cut all foods into small, bite-sized pieces and try to avoid opening your mouth any wider than the thickness of your thumb (1/2 inch). |
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Do not eat hard crusts of bread, tough meat, raw vegetables, or any other food that will require prolonged chewing. |
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Do not chew peanuts, ice cubes, or any other substance that is repeatedly milled between your back teeth. |
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Do not thrust your lower jaw forward as when biting off a piece of thread, applying lipstick, smoking, or through force of habit. |
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If you must yawn, limit the distance your mouth opens by pulling your lower lip up over the edges of your lower teeth or by pushing up under your chin with your fist clenched. |
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Make every effort not to strain your jaw joints unnecessarily by such activities as talking excessively, deliberately popping your jaw joint as one would pop the knuckles of his hand, leaning on the palm of your hand while reading or watching television, etc. |
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Avoid talking on the telephone with the same ear every time. Alternate sides. Hold the telephone with your hand, not your shoulder. |
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Try to sleep on your back. Avoid sleeping on your side of your face or on your fist. |
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During all times of occupational, marital, or academic stress, and also while waiting to fall asleep at night, say to yourself, "Lips together, teeth apart", over and over again. |
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Try not to do strenuous work or lift items weighing more than 10 pounds above your waist. |
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Avoid activities that raise one or both arms over your head (i.e.; washing or painting ceilings, reaching for overhead items, sleeping with hands over head, etc.) |
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Please make every effort to NOT drink caffeine, alcohol, or use any form of tobacco. If you have any questions concerning this discuss it with the doctor. |
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Consult your dentist for evaluation of this condition. Take anti-inflammatory medications as prescribed. Follow all other suggestions as recommended by your physician.
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These few simple rules can easily allow you to avoid such jaw movements that might re-injure your joints, muscles, or ligaments.
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