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Postoperative Instructions: TMJ Surgery
- Do not eat hard crusts of bread, tough meat, raw vegetables, or any other food that will require prolonged chewing. Stick to soft foods.
- Cut all food into small, bite-sized pieces and try to avoid opening the mouth wide.
- Do not bite any food with the front teeth. Do not chew gum. Do not bite your nails. Do not bite your lower lip.
- If you wear lipstick, do not bring your jaw forward when applying it.
- Avoid protruding your jaw during any other activities: for example, smoking, conversation, resting your jaw on your hand, etc.
- Do not use the telephone with the same ear every time.
- Make every effort not to strain your jaw ligaments unnecessarily.
- If you are wearing a corrective dental splint, do not play with it with your tongue.
- Sleep on your side or back at night. Avoid pressure on your jaw.
- Don’t have a pillow under the shoulder when sleeping on your side. Keep your head in the midline. Use the edge and not the center of the pillow.
- Use only feather or shredded Dacron® pillows. No sponge pillows.
- Do not clench or grind your teeth together. Remember to keep your lips together and your teeth slightly apart.
- Tell yourself to relax your jaw whenever you feel your teeth together.
- Try to avoid moving your jaw in such a way that it causes the joint to pop.
- Whenever you feel TMJ pain, ask yourself these questions: What are you doing? What position are you in? What are you thinking about? Then take corrective action.
- Breathe through your nose, not your mouth. The resting position of your tongue should be against the roof of your mouth. Limit the extent of your mouth opening to a thumb’s thickness when laughing, singing, and especially when coughing or sneezing.
- When yawning, never open your mouth wider than is possible: that is, do not allow the tip of your tongue to leave the roof of your mouth.
- When blowing your nose, keep your back teeth slightly separated.
- Always maintain good posture, whether sitting, standing, or lying down.
- Avoid heavy lifting, pushing, etc. If possible, avoid stressful situations.
- You may use ice, heat, massage, and other relaxation techniques to help get rid of pain.
- Be cautious on any kissing.