The temporomandibular joint is one of the most complex joints in the body. This means that there is a lot that can go wrong, and it isn’t always easy to address. When this joint isn’t functioning as it should, it is known as temporomandibular joint dysfunction, or TMD. If you are in the middle of a flare up, it’s especially important to take much needed steps to avoid aggravating the situation worse. Continue reading to learn which things you should avoid at this time.
Chewing Gum
Chewing sugar-free gum can actually have some benefits on your oral health because it stimulates salivary production and helps to clear away food debris from between the teeth. However, this is something you should avoid if you have a TMD flare up. Overworking your jaw muscles can cause more tension, worsening the function.
Tough Foods
As delicious as bagels, apples, beef jerky, or pork rinds may be, they aren’t going to do anything good for your TMJs. Hard, chewy, and overly crunchy foods will stress your jaw, preventing it from getting the rest it needs to return to its typical function.
Chewing on Non-Food Objects
It isn’t uncommon for people to have nervous habits where they chew on pencils or pens, bite their nails, or nibble on other items. While this might sound harmless, but they involve putting unnecessary pressure on the jaw, slowing down healing and stressing the TMJs.
Resting on Your Chin
When you are sitting at your desk at work, in class, or just at your computer at home, it might feel comfortable to rest your chin in your hand to keep your head year up. Unfortunately, this puts pressure against the side of your jaw, pushing against the joint. This moves the disk out of place and can create problems with how your jaw opens and closes. By avoiding this, you can help your jaw heal more quickly.
Smoking
Studies have shown that smoking tobacco products can worsen pain in those with TMJ disorder. Nicotine and other compounds in tobacco smoke can result in muscle tension, reduce blood flow, and increase inflammation, all slowing down the healing process. By cutting back or quitting completely, your TMD symptoms may improve.
By avoiding the things listed above and talking to your dentist about treatment options, you can get through your TMD flare up. The key is to give your TMJs the much-needed break required for optimal healing.
About the Practice
At Lakewood Complete Dentistry, Dr. Vincenzo Artino, Dr. Noah Donaldson, and Dr. Jackson Skeeters work together to treat patients in the Lakewood community. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. If you are struggling with TMD, they would be happy to help. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (303) 238-2800.