What is a normal mouth opening path? Ideally, when you open and close your mouth, there is no deviation to any of the sides. To see if you have a straight opening, look at your image in a mirror, and visualize a vertical line located…

There are many diseases such as Xerostomia and Salivary Gland Hypofunction, radiation therapy in the head and neck area, and medications that cause dry mouth. In this article, we present several treatment options for older patients experiencing dry mouth. Mouth Moisteners Several mouth moisteners in…

In some cases, your facial pain might be related to pain in the cervical muscles, and a program to stretch the neck muscles might be helpful. The following are several exercises that your clinician might suggest*. Basic position (Double chin) Keeping your head straight, try…

What are salivary stones? Salivary Stone, also called sialoliths, are calcified organic masses that form within the salivary gland’s secretory system. Salivary stone comprises organic and inorganic materials, including calcium carbonates and phosphates, cellular debris, glycoproteins, and mucopolysaccharides [1]. Salivary Stone Formation Stages: Decreased saliva…

What is Temporomandibular Joints (TMJ) Disc Displacement? To understand Disc Displacement, we need to talk a little about Jaw joints, also known as temporomandibular joint (TMJ). TMJ is the joint articulating the jawbone (mandibular condyle) to the skull bone (glenoid fossa). A fibrocartilage articular disc…

In some cases, the clinician might relate your limited mouth opening to a decreased amount of synovial fluid, an essential lubricant inside the jaw joints. There is an exercise called Hinge Axis that helps improving function and lubrication of the jaw joints. Why to do…

What are the differences between the “N” stretch and “N” position? “N” stretch exercise is different from the “N” position. As the name indicate, “N” stretch is an exercise that stretches your closing masticatory muscles. This self-management exercise is recommended to manage several TMD conditions, include limited…

A home-based protocol for temporomandibular disorders involves the use of thermal therapy*. HEAT PACK Be sure the temperature is comfortable, testing the heat pack in your wrists. There is no need to burn the skin! Moist heat has better penetration and will give you better…

Chronic Head and Neck muscle pain can present as Myalgia or Myofascial Pain. Myalgia is when pain is localized at a specific site within a particular muscle. However, when pain is spreading to other muscles, it is known as Myofascial Pain. Spreading of the pain…