TMD, Occlusion & Bruxism
Jaw exercises
Gentle exercises to ease jaw muscle tension and improve movement.
Purpose
Ease jaw tension
Effort
Gentle only
Use
Jaw discomfort
Caution
Stop if painful
Overview
Simple jaw exercises can help relax tight muscles, improve how far you can open, and reduce some jaw discomfort. They are often part of managing jaw joint and muscle problems.
Exercises should be gentle and pain-free. If an exercise causes sharp pain, stop and check with your dentist before continuing.
What to know
- Help relax tight jaw muscles
- Can improve jaw movement
- Should be gentle and pain-free
- Often used for mild jaw problems
- Stop if you feel sharp pain
Common questions
Do jaw exercises really help?
For many people with muscle-related jaw problems, gentle exercises can help.
How often should I do them?
As advised by your dentist, usually short sessions through the day.
What if it hurts?
Stop the exercise and check with your dentist before continuing.
Will exercises fix clicking?
They may ease symptoms but do not always stop clicking.
Can I do them with a night guard?
Yes, they address different things and can be used together.
Related topics
TMJ / jaw joint disorders
Pain or problems in the jaw joints and the muscles that move them.
Bruxism (grinding & clenching)
Grinding or clenching your teeth, often during sleep and without knowing.
Night guard (occlusal splint)
A custom splint worn over your teeth to protect them from grinding.
Kois deprogrammer
A removable device that relaxes jaw muscles to help check your true bite.
Dr Rick Iskandar · Reviewed June 2026