How Your Lifestyle Can Prevent TMJ

Most often, we undertake some habits that affect our health. For instance, you can get used to chewing gum for many hours, and with time you begin to experience problems with your jaw. Temporomandibular joint disorder, ordinarily known as TMJ, is a condition that causes significant pain in your head, ears, face, and mouth. You might have heard that prevention is better than cure, but if you have the condition, Totowa TMJ treatment is recommended. The holistic approach ensures that you no longer feel the pain and discomfort. In this article, you will learn more about how you can prevent TMJ through lifestyle modifications. 

  • Keeping Chewing Minimal

If you are one of those who constantly chew gum throughout, you should try avoiding the habit. You overuse the joints holding your upper and lower jaws when you chew too much. The jaws experience wear and tear, and what you share next is a pain in your face, neck, and head; the doctor diagnoses temporomandibular joint disorder. Also, if you prefer your diet to have chewy foods, you will need to adopt a diet with less or no chewy foods. 

  •         Avoid Using Teeth To Cut Your Nails.

Psychologists note that the habit of biting down your nails might mean that you have anxiety. If you have this habit and have tried stopping on your own without success, you should seek professional help. Biting nails using your teeth causes dirt and affects your jaw. The fingernails are complex, and as such, you require a lot of pressure from the jaws. With time, you will develop the temporomandibular joint disorder, which causes pain in the jaws. 

  • Keep Yawning Minimal

You should stop if you tend to yawn till your mouth opens wide. Constant unsupported yawning can cause pain in the joint holding your jaws. Also, you run a risk of overstretching the muscles in your mouth. The proper way of yawning is to support your jaw with one hand. 

  • Massage Could Go A Long Way 

The art of massage allows your muscles to relax. If you happen to feel the contraction of the muscles around your joints, you should try massaging the area around your jaws. It is also good practice to get a massage to keep your jaws healthy even when you are not experiencing tension. 

  • Put on Mouth Guards 

If you have a condition that makes you clench your teeth often, you should consult your dentist on the possibility of having a mouth guard. The mouth guard helps you maintain space between your teeth, relieving any pressure and tension on your jaws. 

The temporomandibular joint disorder occurs when the common in your jaws move out of place because of pressure and tension. Although this condition is treatable, you would instead work towards preventing it. The pain resulting from the malfunctioning of the jaw joint can cost you sleepless nights and take away your eating ability. If you encounter symptoms related to the temporomandibular joint disorder, you can visit the Dakota Dental Center for quick relief. Book your appointment today.