When you have a TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder, you’re likely to struggle with jaw pain every day. The condition can be treated, but you need to be careful in the meantime; there are several activities and bad habits that could potentially aggravate your jaw joint and make TMJ symptoms worse if you’re not careful. Below are 5 things that you should avoid when dealing with TMJ pain.
1. Resting Your Chin on Your Hand
When you’re watching TV or browsing the Internet, do you sometimes find yourself resting your chin on your hand? This might seem like a comfortable position, but it actually puts a lot of pressure on your jaw, which could potentially dislocate the disc in your jaw joints and worsen your TMJ disorder. Work on being aware of when you put your chin on your hand so that you can break this habit as quickly as possible.
2. Chewing Gum
The last thing you want to do when you have a TMJ disorder is make your jaw joint work more than necessary. As such, you need to stay away from foods that require a lot of chewing; naturally, this includes gum.
3. Engaging in Non-Functional Jaw Activities
There are certain things you might do with your jaw throughout the day without thinking about it, such as chewing on the end of your pen or biting your fingernails. These bad habits have no purpose, and they can put an excessive amount of stress on your jaw joints. Take whatever steps are needed to identify these habits and put a stop to them.
4. Chewing on One Side of Your Mouth
Some people tend to chew with one particular side of the mouth. This can put a lot of stress on the jaw joint on that side of the head, potentially leading to a TMJ disorder. Try to be aware of how you’re chewing your food and focus on using both sides of your mouth as evenly as possible.
5. Clenching Your Teeth
Clenching your teeth is one of the most common underlying causes of TMJ disorder. Many people clench their teeth while asleep, so they often don’t realize what’s happening until they start experiencing jaw pain and other symptoms. This particular issue can be addressed with a customized oral splint that keeps the upper and lower rows of teeth separated while you sleep.
TMJ disorder can be treated, but the kind of care you give your jaw matters. Make a conscious effort to avoid the actions listed above so that your jaw has a chance to rest and recover. By taking the right steps, you can manage your condition and prevent it from growing worse.
About the Author
Dr. Mitch Conditt has more than 35 years of dental experience. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain, and he holds membership with the American Academy of Orofacial Pain. At Fort Worth Snoring & Sleep Center, he offers personalized oral splints to help patients find relief from TMJ disorder. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Conditt, visit his website or call (817) 527-8500.