Jaw Pain Aftercare

Use anti-inflammatory medications. Over the counter Ibuprofen (400-600 mg every six hours) would be helpful.

Every hour, apply ice for ten minutes and heat for fifteen minutes to the sore joints or muscles. Use a heating pad or microwave a wet towel until it is warm (be careful not to get it too hot). For cold compresses, use ice wrapped in a thin washcloth. Ice should only be applied to the painful area until numbness is experienced.

Eat a soft diet. Avoid hard and chewy foods or any foods that require effort or extended chewing. Cut fruits into small pieces and steam vegetables. Chew with your back teeth rather than biting with your front teeth.

DO NOT CHEW GUM!

Keep your teeth apart. The teeth should never be touching (except occasionally during swallowing). We suggest you closely monitor your jaw position during the day in order to maintain a relaxed and comfortable position. This involves placing the tongue lightly on the inside gum line edge of your upper front teeth, allowing the teeth to come apart and relax the jaw muscles.

Avoid oral habits that put strain on the jaw muscles and joints. These include: clenching, grinding, touching or pressing teeth together, biting cheeks, pushing tongue against the teeth, jaw tensing, biting objects or other oral habits. Also avoid opening your mouth any wider than the thickness of your thumb (yawning, prolonged times of wide opening, etc.) until pain has been reduced.

Avoid stomach sleeping or leaning on the jaw since this puts forces on the jaw and neck muscles.