Top Habits That Can Make TMJ Worse

The jaw muscles and joints that enable you to open and close your mouth are known as the temporomandibular joints or TMJ. Your TMJ, which are located on either side of the head and cooperate when you chew, speak, or swallow, comprise the jaw bone, muscles, and ligaments. Additionally, they regulate the mandible's side-to-side, forward, and backward movements.

Between the ball and socket of each TMJ is a disc. The disc allows the jaw to open widely, swivel, or glide while cushioning the stress. But how is TMJ caused? A painful TMJ condition might result from any issue that hinders this intricate system of muscles, ligaments, discs, and bones from functioning properly.

What can cause TMJ?

You undoubtedly would go to any lengths to avoid the constant agony and suffering if you had TMJ problems for long term. What you might not know is that there are a number of minor, seemingly unimportant habits that could be causing your jaw pain. Be sure to refrain from any of these actions to keep things that make TMJ worse.

1. Biting Your Nails

Can anxiety cause TMJ? Yes, people frequently shudder when they recall this uneasy habit because it is unhygienic and destroys your manicure, but many people do it because of anxiety. You now have another excuse for keeping your fingertips away from your teeth. Biting your nails can make your jaw function unexpectedly, causing grinding and clenching actions that stress your temporomandibular joints. This may make your TMJ problems worse and make you feel worse. Cut your nails short or even buy nail polish designed to stop you from biting to help you avoid this issue from getting worse, or come in for TMJ Therapy in Utah.

2. Teeth Clenching

Most frequently, when you're asleep, you clench your teeth unintentionally. This behavior, though, can also manifest during the day, especially if you're under a lot of stress or even working out. Your jaw joints may experience strain if you grind your teeth, which could exacerbate your TMJ symptoms. Fortunately, you can fix the problem in a few different ways. To start, ask your dentist whether you may receive a nightguard to stop you from grinding your teeth while you sleep. 

Then, think about including stress-reduction exercises into your regular schedule, like yoga or meditation. In the end, clenching and grinding your teeth not only harms your TMJ but also, if you're not careful, your teeth. You may stop this practice from causing further harm to your oral health by going to the dentist as soon as you can.

3. Hunching Over

Your posture might have worsened throughout the day if you sit at a computer in your office. While you may already be aware of how this can affect your neck and back, you might be surprised to learn that it can also make your TMJ pain worse.

 It may surprise you to learn how intricately interwoven your bones are, but misalignments frequently result in TMJ problems in the neck and shoulders. To avoid the uncomfortable impact slouching can have on your temporomandibular joints, try to get up from your desk sometimes and avoid it whenever you can.

4. Using Your Teeth to Open Packages

Even while it can initially seem harmless, using your teeth to open packages or containers can actually hurt your teeth and jaw in a number of ways. Opening packages, jars, bottles, and more with your mouth can put your jaw in uncomfortable positions and put a lot of pressure on your joints because your teeth are designed for chewing food. Avoid placing additional tension on your jaw if you suffer from TMJ pain. If you want to ensure you always have a useful tool on hand, try having a pocketknife close by!

5. Ice Cube Chewing

You shouldn't chew on ice since it is inedible, just like you shouldn't chew on inedible objects. Although the strongest material in your body is your teeth’ enamel, it cannot endure the force of biting on ice cubes. It may be a TMJ cause, So your jawbone also gets injured when you chew on ice cubes. Avoid this bad habit if you want to avoid a sore jaw and fractured teeth!

6. Too Much Stress

While some tension is natural, excessive stress brought on by overworking your body and mind can cause muscle strain. When you're awake or asleep, you can be clenching or grinding your teeth unconsciously (bruxism). You could catch yourself biting your nails or chewing on a pen out of anxiety. Your TMJ condition may benefit from a reduction in your stress levels through more breaks, yoga or meditation, and brief walks.

TMJ symptoms

Some warning signs and symptoms of TMJ issues include:

  • Having jaw discomfort or tenderness

  • Tempromandibular joint discomfort, either in one or both joints

  • Throbbing pain behind and in your ear

  • Chewing is painful or challenging

  • Joint locking, making it challenging to open or close your lips

When you open your mouth or chew, TMJ issues can also produce a clicking sound or a grating sensation. However, you generally don't need therapy for a TMJ condition if your jaw clicking is not accompanied by pain or a restriction in your range of motion.

Prior to treatment, a diagnosis is a crucial step. The joints and muscles are examined as part of the dental exam for discomfort, clicking, popping, or trouble moving. The dentist can suggest you see a doctor or another dentist, depending on the diagnosis.

TMJ issues can be treated in a number of ways. There is step-by-step guide available for TMJ Treatment Utah that enables you to test out straightforward treatment before advancing to more complex treatment. 

If your jaw continues to hurt or feel painful, or if you have trouble fully opening or closing it, get medical assistance. Come into TMJ Treatment in Utah. Possible causes and remedies for your issue might be discussed with your doctor, dentist, or TMJ specialist. Come see us today for TMJ treatment in Salt Lake City.