Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Relieve pain by cracking your jaw
• Method 2 of 3: Stretch your jaw
• Method 3 of 3: Change your habits and get medical attention

Dealing with jaw pain can be tough. Often jaw pain or jaw bursting is caused by TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome). Some people find relief from jaw pain by cracking their jaw, while others find stretching and massaging their jaws provide more relief. In addition, changing your daily habits and being aware of the things you do (which may worsen your condition) can help you deal with jaw complaints. Jaw pain can usually be addressed without professional treatment. However, if you experience continuous severe pain or if your lower jaw has locked in one position, you may need medical attention.

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Method 1 of 3: Relieve pain by cracking your jaw

1. Relax your lower jaw. Some people find that cracking the jaw helps relieve pain caused by TMJ or other jaw problems. To do this, relax your jaw and let it hang slightly so that your mouth is slightly open.
2. Place your palms flat against the side of your lower jaw. Place your palms flat against each side of your face. Your thumb and index finger then form a "U" around your ear.
3. Press against your lower jaw, alternately on one side and the other. Press your palm against your jaw and move it to one side and then the other. The goal is to move your lower jaw back and forth until you can crack it or push it back into place.
4. Move your jaw in different directions. In addition to moving your jaw sideways, you can also try moving it forward, backward, up and down. Everyone is different, so you may have to experiment with what works for you in order to crack your jaw.

Method 2 of 3: Stretch your jaw

1. Look at the alignment of your jaws in a mirror. Straightening your jaw can also help relieve pain. Start with your lower jaw in a relaxed and centered position, but don't let your teeth touch. Use the mirror to see if your jaw is centered.
   • You may have tension in your jaw without realizing it. If so, your lower jaw may have shifted to one side or the other.
   • When the mouth is closed and in a neutral position, your lips should be closed, but the upper and lower teeth should not come into contact with each other.
2. Open your mouth as wide as possible. When you open your mouth, imagine your lower jaw falling to the floor and it pulling open your mouth. It should feel like your jaw muscles are being stretched, but you shouldn't be experiencing pain.
   • Be careful not to overstretch your jaw - 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 where it feels uncomfortable.
   • Hold this position for five seconds. Look upwards in the direction of the ceiling. If there is any tension in your cheeks, you will notice that the muscles relax as you stretch and hold this position.
3. Close your mouth slowly. When you start to close your mouth, bring your gaze back to the center. Make sure your lower jaw returns to a centered and neutral position. Use the mirror to check the alignment of your jaw.
4. Move your lower jaw to the left. Slide your jaw as far to the left as possible, making sure your teeth don't come into contact with each other or grind. If you move your jaw to the left, look to the right. You may feel tension in your temples while doing this.
   • Hold these positions for five seconds. Don't forget to keep your eyes to the right while holding this stretch. You can feel tension in the opposite corners of your jaw.
5. Return to a centered and neutral position. After letting the muscles relax, slowly close your mouth and bring your lips together. Return your gaze to the center.
6. Move your lower jaw to the right. Repeat the stretch, but this time to the other side. Don't forget to look up the other side of the rack and be careful not to grind your teeth.
   • Hold this for five seconds. Let the muscles relax before returning your jaw to a neutral position.
7. Repeat the whole process. When you notice that your jaw is tightening, do this stretch three to five times.

Method 3 of 3: Change your habits and get medical attention

1. Wear a bite splint at night. Pain in the jaw is often caused by grinding your teeth, also known as bruxism, or straining the muscles around the jaw while you sleep. A bite splint, available from your dentist, is a removable piece of protection that coats the surface of the teeth and gums while you sleep. Wearing a bite splint at night can help reduce this tension and thereby relieve pain in your jaw.
   • Symptoms of bruxism include: flattened, flat, loose or damaged teeth, worn out tooth enamel, increased tooth sensitivity, headache from the temples, pain that feels like earache, and indentations on the tongue.
2. Check your jaw for tense muscles throughout the day. It won't be easy, but training yourself to stop the behaviors that make your jaw problems worse can help ease the pain you're feeling. For example, pay attention when you clench your jaw. You can train yourself to recognize when you are clenching your jaw by checking that you are doing this when performing certain activities.
   • For example, check your jaw for muscle tension every time you walk through a doorway, close a browser window, or go to the bathroom. Choose actions that you know you will perform several times a day.
3. Avoid opening your mouth very wide. Opening your mouth too wide can also cause your lower jaw to dislocate. To help prevent this, keep your mouth closed as much as possible when doing things like yawning, talking, or eating.
4. Avoid foods and sweets that require excessive chewing. Also, stay away from anything that you chew excessively. Chewing more than usual can cause pain in your jaw. In general, you should avoid eating things like chewing gum, sunflower seeds, gummy candies, and ice chips.
5. Massage your jaw regularly. Stretching and massaging your lower jaw can relieve pain and relax your muscles. Start by massaging your lower jaw once a day before bed. If you are experiencing more pain than usual, add a second session in the morning until the pain is gone and then return to just once a day.
   • To massage your jaws, place your fingertips on your lower jaw and move them upward, pushing them onto the skin as you do this. Once your fingers reach your scalp, remove them and start the movement again from your lower jaw. Do this for about two minutes.
6. Go to the doctor or dentist for severe, constant pain. Most jaw pain goes away on its own or through self-massage and stretching. However, if you are experiencing persistent severe pain, then you should seek professional help. You should also see a professional if you have trouble swallowing your food or if it hurts to open and close your lower jaw. Your dentist or doctor can both diagnose TMJ and help you determine the treatment that is best for your situation.
7. Go to a hospital or emergency room if your lower jaw is stuck. If your lower jaw is stuck, open or closed, you need to go to the hospital or emergency room to get help. To treat a blocked jaw, the doctor will numb you to a comfortable level and then manipulate the jaw until it returns to the correct position.