Exercises

Look at the series of images above for additional instructions
Instructions may vary depending on recommendations from your therapist..

1) Place the frontmost part of the clamp between the front teeth - or as instructed by your therapist
– on top of the bite protection pads.
2) Slowly squeeze the clamp and let it slowly open the mouth while keeping the jaw muscles relaxed. Let the mouth slowly open into a position where your jaw muscles start tightening but don´t hurt.
3) Hold for 25 seconds.
4) Close the mouth by slowly relaxing the hand pressure on the clip. Remember to keep the jaw muscles relaxed during the whole exercise.
5) Rest for 25 seconds.

Repeat the exercise 6-10 times, 3 times a day.
As the training progresses the number of exercises and amount of pressure may gradually and cautiously be increased. Pay attention to what feels good for you.
Remember: Overstretching can be harmful!  
To optimize your treatment/training, we advise you to first consult an oral specialist.
Common mouth opening varies between 35-45 millimeters. Maximal gap of JawTrainer is 52mm.

Other, simple relaxation exercises without JawTrainer
- for treating tight jaws and tight tongue

Tense jaws and sore chewing muscles are a condition that, among other things, can be treated with motion training and stretching. Perform these exercises at least four times a day, preferably more.
Also, be sure to exercise when you notice the teeth in the over jaw and the teeth in the lower touch each other even though you do not chew, or when the tongue is pressed against the palate or teeth.
Ask your dentist or physiotherapist to show you how to do the exercises.

The following is your writing prescription, so you can exercise at home.

1. Sit in an upright position. Take a deep breath and, at the same time, pull up your shoulders.
   Hold your breath and shoulders for 2-3 second. Exhale and release your shoulders.
   
   
2. Do 10 gap movements without tooth contact, "jog" with the lower jaw.
   
   
3. Move the lower jaw sideways, right-left, 10 times.
   
   
4. Move the lower jaw forward and backward 10 times.
   
   
5. Relax your lower jaw and tongue. Close your eyes.
   Concentrate on the feeling of a relaxed lower jaw and tongue.
   Think quietly for yourself; "How relaxed I am".
   (Avoid negative thinking i.e. "I will NOT clamp my jaw, DO NOT push your tongue, DO NOT bite”)

Always exercise slowly and relaxed. Note that the exercises never should hurt.

The original text is produced by Folktandvården Örebro County Council, SWEDEN and freely translated.