Ditch the Bad Habits: What to Avoid When Living with TMJ Disorder

TMJ disorder is a serious condition that can make day-to-day life difficult. The painful opening and closing of your mouth, the popping and clicking of your jaw joints, and frequent headaches can be debilitating. Unfortunately, you may be causing your symptoms to worsen and not even know it. Until you can get in for treatment, make sure you’re avoiding these habits so that you don’t intensify the pain.

Don’t Chew Gum

You may chew gum as an unconscious habit, but this can exacerbate jaw pain. Each time you chew, additional pressure is placed on your jaw joints and muscles, minimizing their time for rest. When faced with TMJ, you need to give this area of your mouth a break from unnecessary pressure and tension, so give up chewing gum.

Avoid Eating Hard, Chewy Foods

Eating anything hard, crunchy, or chewy can cause excessive stress on your jaw joints. Although raw fruits and vegetables, potato chips, or even bagels may seem tasty, you will regret each bite. Your jaw joints and muscles cannot properly heal if they’re continually being placed under pressure.

Minimize Stress in Your Life

Stress is one of the leading risk factors of TMJ disorder. It can be hard to manage; however, if you want to avoid additional jaw pain, you’ll need to find ways to minimize stress. This can be accomplished with breathing exercises, meditation, exercise, or talking to a professional counselor or therapist.

Stop Smoking

Muscle tension can occur as a result of nicotine, so if you want your jaw muscles and joints to heal, quit smoking and using tobacco products. Apart from unnecessary stress placed on this area of your mouth, this bad habit also causes inflammation and a redirection of blood flow, both of which can make TMJ disorder worse.

Stop Grinding Your Teeth

You may be unaware that you grind your teeth, but if you do, ask your dentist about a custom nightguard. This will alleviate the pressure placed on your jaw joints throughout the night. An expertly crafted oral device can cushion any grinding or clenching your teeth may try to perform; instead, it protects your tooth enamel and keeps your jaw from sustaining further harm.

Seeking professional treatment for your TMJ disorder is crucial, but in the meantime, give this area the best chance to heal. By giving up these habits, you can stay out of pain while you wait to see your dentist.

About the Author
Dr. Proshat Shahrestany opened Studio City Dental Arts in 2012. She leads a trustworthy and highly skilled team of professionals who are always ready to help, no matter what kind of problem a patient might arrive with. When an individual complains of intense jaw pain, she can discuss various symptoms and determine if TMJ disorder might be the problem. If you are tired of waking up with headaches or feeling soreness throughout your teeth and jaw joints, contact us at (818) 760-0200 to schedule an appointment.