Whether you feel discomfort and aching or severe pain and jaw locking due to temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), avoiding triggers is a critical element of managing your condition and minimizing flare-ups.
Every day, you execute automatic face movements such as smiling, laughing, speaking, and chewing without even realizing it. However, if you suffer from TMJ disorder, these basic movements can be highly uncomfortable.
Temporomandibular joint disease can cause severe jaw pain, frequent headaches and migraines, and other irritating and unpleasant symptoms that can have a significant influence on your quality of life. It is inevitable that your condition will worsen without treatment, especially if you do not change particular habits.
What causes TMJ Disorder?
Your TMJ could be the result of a combination of factors. It can be inherited or caused by a disorder of the connective tissue, a jaw injury, constant teeth grinding, or even a misalignment of teeth, which can occur if a tooth is missing and the surrounding teeth are shifting. TMJ causes muscle tension in the face and jaw.
Other TMJ symptoms include a popping or clicking sound when the mouth is opened or closed, earache, and jaw “locking.” Additionally, you may sense that your upper and lower teeth are crooked.
Your temporomandibular joints, which are positioned where your skull and lower jawbone meet, are related to the muscles and ligaments that allow you to move your mouth. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) conditions, such as arthritis, dislocation, injury, or infection, can cause severe clicking and locking of the jaw, headaches, neck pain, and ringing in the ears.
For some people, the symptoms of TMD are temporary; however, for others, the pain and discomfort experienced while moving the facial muscles is persistent and can be made worse over time if the person grinds or clenches their teeth.
10 Things That Make TMJ Disorder Worse
Temporomandibular joint disorder can cause severe jaw pain, frequent headaches and migraines, and other unpleasant and painful symptoms that can have a major negative influence on your quality of life. Without treatment, your condition will certainly deteriorate, especially if specific behaviors are not modified.
Inflammation and overuse of muscles are the most prevalent causes of TMJ flare-ups, but there are additional reasons for sudden or severe jaw discomfort. Joint inflammation and muscle tightness can be caused by a variety of physical changes and lifestyle choices.
1. Using Your Teeth as Tools
If you need to open a difficult package or bottle, or if you have a jagged fingernail that needs to be smoothed, your teeth are not the appropriate instruments for the job.
These activities place stress on the jaw joint and muscles, which can exacerbate TMJ symptoms. Take a time to locate the scissors, bottle opener, or nail file, and you may avoid experiencing pain.
2. Nervous Chewing
When you’re bored, anxious, or stressed, do you chew a pencil or pen? By straining the jaw, unnecessary chewing can trigger TMJ symptoms. People with TMJ disorder cannot benefit from the use of sugarless gum, as it is unhelpful for those with anxiety. Try snacking on sugar-free mints instead.
3. Chewing Gum
If you have TMJ, you should avoid chewing gum, no matter how much you enjoy it. The jaw is the most active joint in the body. Limiting the usage of joints and muscles relieves pressure and permits them to rest. The initial step in treating TMJ symptoms is resting aching muscles and joints.
4. Chewing Only on One Side
The majority of humans chew their food on either the left or right side of their mouths, as we are creatures of habit. This might result in TMJ discomfort and joint dysfunction.
Make an effort to be aware of your chewing habits and eat on both sides of your mouth. If you have dental issues or tooth pain on one side, you should consult a dentist so that you can eat comfortably.
5. Resting on Your Chin
When reading, accessing social media, or watching television, several people rest their jaws on their hands. This may be a pleasant position, yet it may be damaging to the jaw. Dislodging your disc and having problems opening and closing your jaw can be caused by this pressure on the side of your jaw pushing against your joint. If you stop resting your chin on your palm, the joint can recover in its proper position.
6. Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding is a guaranteed way to worsen TMJ symptoms. Get started on breaking this terrible habit right away. Otherwise, you risk causing substantial damage to your teeth and aggravating your jaw pain. For many patients, a nighttime mouthguard is effective in preventing teeth grinding.
7. Tobacco Use
Cigarette smoking is one of the most harmful actions a person can engage in. In addition to being terrible for your teeth, smoking significantly increases your risk of oral cancer and chronic pain conditions such as TMJ.
8. Poor Posture
It is true that posture has a significant impact on the alignment of the jaw, yet the vast majority of people are likely unaware of this fact. Bad posture habits that may exacerbate your TMJ disease include rounded shoulders, a protruding neck, and a pelvic tilt toward the front.
As part of a successful TMJ treatment, you should work on your posture.
To alleviate any jaw pain you may be experiencing, it is vital to comply with the following:
- When standing, distribute your body weight evenly to the front, back, and sides of your feet.
- Place your computer such that you are not continually looking down.
- Take regular breaks to extend your shoulders and move around.
- Align the ear lobes, shoulder blades, and hips in a single vertical line.
9. Sleeping On Your Stomach
When sleeping on your stomach, your spine is not properly aligned with your head, neck, and back. In addition, your jaw is subjected to increased pressure. If you want to reduce your discomfort as much as possible during sleep, try lying on your back while slightly elevating your neck using a pillow.
10. Holding Out for Treatment
Numerous people with musculoskeletal disorders simply wait for the pain and limited mobility to go away. Nonetheless, if you are suffering problems with your jaw joint (the most used joint in the body), you should get treatment immediately.
The fact that TMJ is often self-limiting (resolves on its own) and non-progressive, and that conservative treatment results in a high percentage of healing, is all the more reason to seek treatment promptly.
Consult your physician or dentist for a clear diagnosis if you suspect TMJ. Visiting a physical therapist to learn self-treatment exercises and strategies may be beneficial. A specialist in orofacial pain is also available (dental specialist).
Find Out More About the Things that Make TMJ Worse by Contacting Garza DDS
If you are experiencing discomfort in your jaw or find it difficult to open and close your mouth, please consult with Garza DDS. We can help you determine the cause of your TMJ disorder and recommend treatment options that will help relieve your symptoms. In addition, we can provide advice on how to avoid activities that place unnecessary strain on your jaw joint. For more information about TMJ disorders and the treatments available, please visit our website or contact us today.