Totally get where you’re coming from—my kiddo’s been through a few rounds of tightening, and if we just let her sit around, it actually seems to make things worse. What’s worked for us is a little “jaw walk” every hour or so—just gentle opening and closing, nothing wild. If she starts complaining more, we dial it back. It’s a bit of trial and error, honestly... but I’d rather have her moving than locked up and miserable. Sometimes I wish they gave us a manual for this stuff!
I get nervous about moving my jaw too much after a tightening, honestly. My dentist once told me to just rest up and stick to soft foods for a day or two. I’m always worried I’ll mess something up if I move it around too soon... but maybe I’m just overly cautious.
I totally get where you're coming from. After a tightening, I’m always paranoid about messing something up too. My ortho told me light movement is fine, but to avoid anything too chewy or tough for a bit.
I’m always worried I’ll mess something up if I move it around too soon...
Honestly, I think a little caution is better than pushing it. I usually stick to smoothies and mashed potatoes for a day, then see how I feel. If it’s sore, I just take it easy. Never had any issues from being extra careful.
I always wonder if being too cautious might make things stiffen up more, though. My ortho mentioned gentle movement actually helps with soreness sometimes. I get nervous about chewing, but I do try to talk and move my jaw a bit, just not overdoing it.
Yeah, I get that—it’s weird how being overly careful can actually make things feel tighter. My ortho said the same about gentle movement helping blood flow and reducing stiffness. I usually stick to soft foods but try to chat a bit more after adjustments, just to keep things from locking up. It’s a balancing act... too much and I regret it, too little and my jaw feels like it’s rusting shut.
