After a dental procedure, you may notice some sensitivity in your teeth or some discomfort in your gums for a little while, but these sensations will quickly go away. Another feeling of which you might be aware is a sore jaw. During a lengthy dental procedure, you need to hold your jaw widely open for an extended period of time, and this can lead to it feeling sore later that day and perhaps the following day, too. This is another issue that will go away on its own, but if you want to minimize the discomfort that you feel, here are some things that you can try.

Eat The Right Diet

When your jaw is sore after a lengthy dental procedure, you want to try to rest it as much as possible. One way to do so is to eat soft foods that don't require much chewing. Smoothies, soups, and other soft foods will give you the sustenance that you need without extended periods of chewing. You should avoid foods that you need to chew multiple times to break down. Tougher meats, for example, are a bad idea, as is candy of any type. You might also want to stay away from chewing gum until your jaw feels better.

Minimize Talking

Another way to keep your jaw pain from bothering you is to minimize the amount of talking that you have to do. It's common to be aware of how your jaw feels a little sore when you're talking after your dental appointment, so try to avoid lengthy conversations. If you're the type of person who is constantly on the phone while driving, enjoy listening to the radio when you're driving home from the dentist's clinic, for example. If you're going back to work after the appointment, try to avoid lengthy discussions unless they're necessary.

Try Some Self-Massage

You can often alleviate some of your jaw pain by gently kneading the jaw muscles with the tips of your fingers. Don't press too hard; you shouldn't apply enough pressure to cause discomfort. Be mindful of holding your jaw loose, rather than tight, while you massage yourself. If you have trouble moving your fingertips around your skin, try some facial cream or essential oil to help them slide better. Remember that time is an important ally, too. It won't be long before your jaw is feeling back to normal, and the above tips can minimize your discomfort in the meantime.

For more information and tips, contact your local dentist office today.