How to Heal Dental Ligaments

Your jaw consists of a complex structure of ligaments and muscles supporting the Temporomandibular joint so that your jaw can move in a variety of directions. Pain in the Temporomandibular (TM) joint is often related to stress or grinding of the teeth that strains the ligaments.

Another dental ligament problem is periodontal ligament issues associated with gum disease. Weakened periodontal ligaments are a leading cause of tooth loss.

If you’ve strained your TM dental ligaments, or if you have weak periodontal ligaments, you can often help them recover by following a few simple steps. If pain in your TM joint persists, you may have a more complicated problem, and should see a doctor or chiropractor for a further diagnosis and specialized treatment.

Things You'll Need

• Toothbrush
• Dental floss
• Antibacterial mouthwash

Show More

Instructions

Treating TM Ligaments

• 1

  Set aside 10 to 15 minutes a day to do gentle jaw stretching. Start by warming up your jaw. Stretch you mouth open wide and hold it for 1 or 2 seconds. Then relax and repeat. Do five repetitions. Then say or mouth the word “Wow” in a very exaggerated fashion. Repeat this exercise five times. Next, keeping your lips together, stretch your lower jaw to the right and hold it for an eight count--it’s okay if your lower lip juts out a little to the side you’re a stretching. Repeat this stretch on the left.

• 2

  Massage your jaw daily. Often ligament pain in the TM joint is stress related, so a massage can help relax the area. Begin by gently massaging along your cheeks about an inch in front of your ears. If you open your mouth, you should be able to feel your jaw joint move. Next massage the back side of the jaw just below the ears.

• 3

  Do some focused relaxing each day. Many people hold a good deal of tension in their jaws without realizing it. Take several minutes and focus on releasing and relaxing the muscles in the jaw.

• 4

  Talk to your dentist about a tooth guard if you grind your teeth at night or when you’re under stress.

Treating Periodontal Ligaments

• 5

  Brush your teeth twice a day for at least 2 minutes each time. Healthy periodontal ligaments come with good daily dental care.

• 6

  Floss daily. Flossing helps strengthen your gums and that will help your periodontal ligaments to heal.

• 7

  Rinse with antibacterial mouthwash once a day. An antibacterial mouthwash can fight the bacteria that inflame the gums and weaken the periodontal ligaments.