Have TMD? Here Are 5 Things You Should Stop Doing Right Now

TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder can cause a lot of pain and discomfort in your jaw and surrounding areas. If you’re struggling in your day-to-day life from symptoms of TMJ disorder in Albuquerque, know that there are things you can do to alleviate your condition. Here are five things you should avoid if you have TMD.

Don’t Overwork Your Jaw

Sufferers of TMJ disorder have a hard time using their jaw because of tightness, pain, and clicking. If you experience these symptoms, it’s best to avoid any extra movement of the jaw. Mindless or unnecessary activities like chewing on your pencil or biting your fingernails should be avoided because they create tension.

Avoid Hard Foods

While inconvenient, avoiding hard foods is much easier on your jaw. That’s because crunchy or harder to chew items like apples or hard candy require extra strength and exertion. If you’re experiencing pain related to your TMJ, try to stick to softer options until the condition is resolved.

No More Gum

This is bad news for avid gum chewers, but constant smacking and chewing is a no-no if you have TMJ disorder.

If you need an alternative, try sucking on sugar free mints or soft candies. This requires less chewing and will give the joints in your jaw a rest.

Stand up Straight

This one isn’t as obvious, but your posture has a lot to do with your jaw. That’s because proper alignment of the head and cervical spine affects how your joints in your mouth operate.

Avoid slouching and poor posture if possible. You may want to consider seeing a physical therapist if you have difficulty maintaining a straight stance.

Don’t Put Off Seeing Your Dentist

The longer you wait to seek treatment, the longer you’ll struggle with pain and discomfort. If you’re experiencing symptoms, make sure you visit a TMJ dentist in Albuquerque. They will be able to offer suggestions to ease your condition.

Remember that TMJ symptoms and their severity can change. With the right treatment, the adjustments above don’t have to be permanent. Reach out to your dentist to ensure you’re able to properly manage the disorder.

About Craniofacial Sleep Medicine and TMJ

Dr. Eric Coontz and Dr. Fischer are both specialists with an extensive background in TMJ disorder management and treatment. Their goal is to provide relief and restore the lifestyles of each of their patients. They are members of the American Dental Association, New Mexico Dental Association, and the American Academy of Physiologic Medicine and Dentistry. If you’re struggling with TMJ disorder, visit their website or give them a call at (505)433-2017.