TMJ Aftercare
Gentle guidance to help your jaw stay comfortable after TMJ therapy.
After TMJ therapy, your jaw, face and neck and may feel lighter, softer or more open. These aftercare steps help maintain that relief and support your nervous system as it adjusts. use these practices for the rest of the day and whenever your jaw feels activated.
Warm compress
A warm compress helps soothe the jaw muscles and reduce tension.
How to use:
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Apply a warm (not hot) compress to your jaw for 5-10 minutes.
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Use once or twice on the day of treatment
Gentle Jaw awareness
Your jaw may feel different after treatment. This is normal.
Try:
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Keep your teeth slightly apart.
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Rest your tongue on the floor of your mouth.
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Relax your lips.
This reduces pressure on the TMJ.
Soft Belly breathing
Breathing low and slow helps calm the jaw and nervous system.
Steps:
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Place hand on your belly
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Inhale gently through your nose
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Exhale slowly
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Repeat for 5-10 breaths.
Avoid overuse
After treatment, AVOID:
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Chewing gum
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Hard or chewy foods
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Wide yawning or opening wide
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Long conversations without breaks
This prevents irritation while the jaw settles.
Neck & Shoulder Softening
Jaw tension often begins in the neck and shoulders.
Try:
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Gentle neck stretches
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Shoulder rolls
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Lowering your shoulders with each exhale.
Emotional Aftercare
TMJ therapy can release emotional holding. You may feel:
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Lighter
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Sleepy
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Emotional
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Calm
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Reflective
All these responses are NORMAL.
Support yourself with:
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Rest
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Gentle breathing
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A warm drink
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Quiet time
Sleep Support
If you clench at night:
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Apply a warm compress before bed
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Keep your jaw relaxed as you fall asleep
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Contact dentist for mouth guard.
When to contact us
Reach out if you experience any of the following or anything else you are worried about:
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Persistent pain
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New clicking or locking
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Headaches that worsen
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Concerns about your jaw movement.
We are here to help.