1) ICE IS EXCELLENT FOR REDUCING PAIN & MUSCLE SPASMS. Place ice packs over the temple area and side of the face for ten minutes. DO NOT PLACE DIRECTLY ON YOUR SKIN. Put your ice pack or ice inside a pillow slip or something similar.

For CHRONIC pain - ice for 10 minutes 2 times daily.
For SEVERE pain or swelling - ice hourly or as needed.

2) PLACE YOURSELF ON A SOFT DIET. (not liquid) Eat a good balanced diet that consists of foods such as; cooked whole grains, beans, vegetables, eggs, fish, cheese, ground meats, fruit etc.

3) AVOID THESE FOODS - Salads, apples, tostado chips, corn on the cob, hard breads, raw vegetables, steak etc.

NO CHEWING GUM OR ICE!
By cutting your food into smaller pieces, you can avoid a great deal of chewing thereby eliminating additional stress to your jaw joints. (IE: cut your apple into quarters instead of eating it whole.)

4) "LIPS TOGETHER, TEETH APART" Keep your teeth slightly apart except when chewing or swallowing.

5) DO NOT SLEEP ON YOUR STOMACH! Your sleep position is vitally important for TMD relief. It is best to sleep on your back with a pillow under your knees. If you sleep on your side put a pillow between your knees. (Try different sizes of buckwheat pillows. They are flexible and support your body.)

6) Do not sit or sleep under ceiling fans or vents, as this will aggravate sensitive muscles and joints.

7) Do not sit with your chin resting on you hand. Protect your yawns by placing your fist under your lower jaw to prevent an extra wide opening.

8) Do not support the receiver with your shoulder when talking on the phone.

9) AVOID perfumes, scented products, house hold cleaners and petroleum products. These chemicals aggravate sensitive muscles and joints.