Are you faced with throbbing, achy jaw pain on a near-daily basis? It could be your Temporomandibular Joint. TMJ disorder can be a real pain to deal with – literally. If you’re already feeling the effects of TMJ dysfunction, certain habits can actually worsen the discomfort.
If you want to learn some habits that you could be doing to continue the cycle of TMJ pain, continue reading. Below are some habits you should drop to promote better jaw health and find relief.
1. Excessive Chewing
If you’re a fan of gum-chewing, or if you just like to snack, this could be activating your TMJ discomfort. This joint connects your lower jaw to the base of your skull and lets your jaw move to speak and chew. If you’re constantly chowing down or munching on gum, your TMJ is constantly active, weakening it and making it sore.
2. Grinding Your Teeth or Clenching Your Jaw
Teeth clenching or grinding, especially during stressful moments, is a common path to TMJ disorder. If you catch yourself clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth, try to consciously relax your jaw muscles. If it’s a chronic problem, consider using relaxation techniques or a mouthguard at night to alleviate the strain on your jaw.
3. Propping Your Chin Up
Propping up your chin with your hand might be a comfortable posture, but it can strain your jaw over time. The pressure of your hand pressing against your face can move your jaw out of alignment and create discomfort. If you need to rest your head, do so with your hand under your jaw instead of on the side. However, the best thing to do is not rest your head on your hands at all.
4. Biting on Objects or Nails
Many people have a nervous habit of chewing. This usually includes biting nails or chewing on pens, pencils, erasers, or other objects. This consistent use of your jaw can overwork and strain your TMJ, not to mention the damage it can cause to your teeth! Try to catch yourself before you start chewing.
Being mindful is the best way to avoid bad habits. Now that you have some understanding of actions that could trigger your TMJ pain, you can more easily avoid them. If you’re still having trouble dealing with your jaw pain after you’ve worked on your habits, speak with your dentist. They may have TMJ treatments available that can stop your pain and give you much-needed comfort.
About the Author
Dr. Brandon Brunner is a friendly and passionate dentist with almost two decades of experience. He earned his dental doctorate at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry and has completed over 400 hours of continuing education since then, expanding his skills to include mouth rehabilitation, including TMJ treatment. Call (262) 784-7201 to schedule an appointment at Elmbrook Family Dental or visit the website to explore other services.