- Take calcium (1,000-1,500 mg per day) and magnesium (250-500 mg per day) to improve muscle function and decrease spasms, especially during a flare-up.
- Add flaxseed or fish oil (1-3 grams per day) to your diet to reduce inflammation. Also eat foods with anti-inflammatory nutrients, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and wild cold-water fish.
- Avoid processed foods, white flour, and sugar, which deplete nutrients and cause inflammation. Also pass on foods that require you to open your jaw widely or that are difficult to chew, such as hard pretzels.
- Sleep on your back. Side or stomach sleeping can push your jaw to one side.
- Take up yoga, learn to meditate, or invest in counseling to explore issues that may be contributing to stress.
- Exercise to release tension.
