TMJ Device to Ease the Jaw Pain

This device is used in the mouth to stretch out the masticator muscles that tighten up during TMJ. I used this after PT (which involved pushing my cheek against my teeth and inserting her fingers into my mouth to push out) didn't seem to totally help and hurt like crazy. Both my oral surgeon, dentist, PT and even my internist were very impressed. Said they didn't have anything this like it to help TMJ.

One plastic adapter as shown. I bought this on Amazon after searching for "blood pressure adaptors".

One used or new blood pressure hose with bulb that has a valve to open and close off air. You don't need the blue crimp piece in the picture of the final product. That was on the one I already had.

One 5 inch helium balloon. I found them with a search (none on Amazon as of today) and had to buy more than I needed but they are stronger than regular balloons and will hold their shape better. Be aware that these are latex.

One O ring size R 08, 3/32 in thick. We had a kit of assorted so I didn't have to buy one O ring.

This is extremely easy to build. Just gather your items (I only had to buy the balloons and adapter) and assemble. The hardest part is getting the O ring onto the adaptor to hold the balloon in place.

Open the air valve and pump a little air into the balloon.

Close your teeth and insert the balloon into the space between the cheek and your teeth and close your mouth. You will need to use one hand to push the end of the adaptor against your closed lips or it has a tendency to pop out.

Pump a little more air into the balloon until you feel a good stretch in the muscle.

Hold for 20 seconds or so pumping more air in if you are not feeling a good stretch.

Now use your fist to push the balloon up as high as it will go to get the muscle that runs laterally across your cheek. You may have to let a little air out. Hold again for 20 seconds.

Remove, relax and repeat 2 more times.

When done, wash with soapy water, let dry and store in plastic zip back.

Your muscles will ache a bit after you are done for a few hours but that will go away and you should feel better. At the worse, it took me 3 days to get all the pain away using the device only once a day. Now I use it whenever I start to feel that jaw pain again and it goes away with one set of 3.