TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders can detract from your daily quality of life in several ways. When the sliding-disc joints that anchor your jawbone to your skull sustain too much force or pressure, like from grinding your teeth, they can become inflamed and achy. This, in turn, can make basic tasks like eating and speaking both challenging and uncomfortable.
Your dentist can provide treatments to help reduce your symptoms, but taking care of yourself at home is essential. Continue reading to learn 3 things to avoid triggering TMJ pain!
Problem #1: Tough or Chewy Foods
When your TMJ are already swollen or sore, it’s best to avoid putting additional stress on them. That means steering clear of foods that tend to require forceful or repeated biting and chewing to consume. For instance, you may want to steer clear of tough cuts of meat, raw fruits and veggies, hard candies, chewy gummies, ice, or popcorn.
Cutting your meals into smaller bites that are easier to eat can reduce the stress on your jaw that causes muscle fatigue, though it can also help to stick to softer foods until the tenderness dissipates. Popular options include blended smoothies, scrambled eggs, yogurt, applesauce, and mashed potatoes.
Problem #2: Poor Posture
You might not think that your posture is contributing to your TMJ concerns, but the truth is, the way you carry yourself can significantly affect specific facial muscles, ligaments, and other supporting structures connected to your jaw.
For instance, you can use a headset when talking on the phone to avoid cradling it with your shoulder to be hands-free. When sitting at a desk, ensure your workstation allows you to sit up straight while supporting your lower back. Try not to slouch too much or crane your head forward, but adjust your equipment to see it clearly while sitting in a neutral position.
Problem #3: Ignoring Aches
TMJ aches can be so intense that they prevent you from eating, speaking, or sleeping normally, but thankfully, there are things you can do to alleviate the throbbing. For example, applying a cold compress or an ice pack for 10 to 20 minutes to the sore side of your face provides a much-needed, if temporary, relief.
Taking over-the-counter medications like Tylenol or ibuprofen is also a safe way to treat symptoms of overworked jaw joints.
If at-home remedies aren’t helping reduce your symptoms, it’s time to contact your dentist to discuss potential treatment options, like custom-fitted oral appliances or BOTOX injections, to address the underlying problem causing your pain.
About the Practice
Patients at Smileworks General & Cosmetic Dentistry benefit from a team with more than 15 years of experience helping families in Mt Pleasant build and maintain happy, healthy smiles. Our providers collaborate to offer a comprehensive menu of services at one conveniently located office, including TMJ treatments. They take the time to learn your unique goals and concerns to customize treatment plans to meet them. Then, they utilize advanced technology to improve your comfort while delivering accurate results. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (843) 654-7300.