Jaw Pain Aftercare

Take anti-inflammatory medication as directed; over-the-counter Ibuprofen (400–600 mg every six hours) can help reduce pain and swelling.

Apply ice for 10 minutes and heat for 15 minutes every hour to sore areas; use a warm towel or heating pad, and ice wrapped in a thin cloth until the area feels numb.

Follow a soft diet; avoid hard or chewy foods and chew with your back teeth.

Do not chew gum.

Keep your teeth slightly apart at all times (except when swallowing) to relax the jaw muscles; rest your tongue lightly along the inside of your upper front teeth.

Avoid habits that strain the jaw, such as clenching, grinding, pressing teeth together, biting cheeks, or tensing the jaw.

Limit how wide you open your mouth—no wider than the thickness of your thumb—especially during yawning or prolonged opening.

Avoid sleeping on your stomach or leaning on your jaw to reduce unnecessary pressure on the jaw and neck muscles.