What Can Make TMJ Symptoms Worse?
&srotate=0)
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jaw to the temporal bones of your skull, allowing your jaw to move so you can talk, chew, and yawn. But when problems with your jaw or the muscles in your face arise in Houston, TX, they can lead to temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD). TMD can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms, such as TMJ pain, clicking sounds, limited movement, and even migraines. At Evolution Dentistry, Dr. Mohamad El-Kheir and Dr. Matthew Gemp understand that these symptoms can often be debilitating, impacting your daily life and overall well-being. So, what exactly can make these TMJ symptoms worse?
What activities can intensify TMJ pain?
Some physical activities, like clenching your teeth and grinding (bruxism), can put additional pressure on your TMJ, causing TMJ pain to become worse. Stress, which often leads to tightened jaw muscles and teeth clenching, is another significant culprit in intensifying TMJ symptoms. Consequently, it is crucial to:
- Avoid activities that lead to teeth clenching and grinding
- Adopt stress management techniques
- Seek guidance from a TMJ specialist for effective interventions
Dr. Kheir and Dr. Gemp can help you make informed choices about your lifestyle and how to minimize your TMJ pain.
What is the impact of diet on TMJ disorders?
Your diet can also impact your TMJ symptoms. Chewing hard, sticky, or crunchy foods can strain the TMJ, leading to increased pain and discomfort. Foods like hard candies, sticky sweets, and even chewing gum can exacerbate your symptoms and cause further complications. Adopting a TMJ-friendly diet with softer foods requiring less jaw work can help manage and alleviate your TMJ symptoms.
Role of sleep and posture on TMJ symptoms
Poor sleep quality and posture, particularly neck and jaw alignment, can exacerbate TMJ disorders in Houston, TX. Poor sleep can lead to increased inflammation in the body, including the TMJ, thereby worsening symptoms. Similarly, maintaining a poor posture, especially while using devices like laptops or smartphones, can strain the neck and jaw muscles, leading to heightened TMJ pain. Improving your sleep hygiene and maintaining a good posture can significantly reduce TMJ pain and enhance your quality of life.
The impact of delayed or inappropriate treatment
Ignoring the initial TMJ symptoms or opting for inappropriate treatment methods can worsen the disorder. Self-medication, neglect, or incorrect treatment strategies can lead to chronic problems and make the condition difficult to manage. Therefore, timely intervention from a TMJ specialist is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective management of TMJ disorders.
Don't let TMJ pain rule your life
Don't let TMJ symptoms disrupt your daily activities and lower your quality of life. At Evolution Dentistry in Houston, TX, we have skilled TMJ specialists who understand your struggles and are dedicated to providing you with the most effective treatment plans possible. Our dentists, Dr. Mohamad El-Kheir and Dr. Matthew Gemp, will work with you to help alleviate your TMJ pain in Houston, TX, and together we can bring back comfort and ease in your life. Reach out to us today and take the first step toward a life virtually free of TMJ pain.