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Orofacial physiotherapy can help
Pain in the jaws from teeth grinding, persistent pain in and around the ear or frequent headaches. All complaints that can arise due to the malfunctioning of the jaws. With these complaints you can go to a specialized physiotherapist, or the jaw physiotherapist. This is also called an orofacial physiotherapist.
What exactly does a jaw physiotherapist do? Jaw physiotherapy is a specialization within physiotherapy. People who suffer from poorly functioning joints and muscles in the head, neck and chewing system can see a jaw physiotherapist. Jaw physiotherapists are general physiotherapists who are extensively trained in the jaw area, as well as in dental aspects and specific nervous disorders and disorders related to the neck and head and neck region.
Jaw complaints
You can think of complaints as a result of jaw clenching and teeth grinding, pain in the face, jaw or head, facial paralysis, headache complaints. But also with the consequences of accidents and fractures, cancer, rheumatism and other diseases with complaints in the head and neck area. People with these complaints are referred by their general practitioner, dentist, general physiotherapist or another doctor. But you can also contact a dental physiotherapist directly. A referral letter is not necessary. In that case, the physiotherapist will screen whether jaw physiotherapy is the right treatment method.
Wrong Oral Habits
Various causes can cause symptoms. The most common are bad oral habits or grinding of the teeth. The chewing muscles become overloaded by these habits. This gives pain in the muscles, but also in the jaw joint. This gives you, for example, a headache or a dull, stiff feeling or an ear that is regularly closed. Problems can also arise due to overstretching, an accident or a blow. In addition, long-term stress often plays a role.
During a first visit, the jaw physiotherapist will try to map out exactly what the problems are and which treatment is appropriate. He will then give exercises to relax the jaws and massage the chewing muscles. Temporomandibular joint complaints are often persistent and annoying. Once there is pain, it will be more difficult to relax. That is one of the most important aspects of the therapy. The jaw physiotherapist will give relaxation exercises to do at home. It’s best to do these exercises in front of a mirror, so you can see exactly what you’re doing. With regular practice, the complaints will gradually decrease.
Tips for people with jaw complaints:
- Avoid hard and chewy foods that require long chewing
- Chew the side where the pain is
- Eat small amounts
- Beware of yawning
- Don’t bite your nails
- Don’t take chewing gum
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