Amelia Grant

Avoiding things that make temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) worse is an important part of managing your condition and reducing flare-ups, whether you experience tenderness and aching or significant pain and jaw locking.

The temporomandibular joint is the joint that connects your jaw to your skull. Every day, you use it while eating, drinking, and conversing. A small disc in the joint allows your jaw bones to slip and slide normally.

TMJ causes the disc to become displaced, resulting in clicking, snapping, and limited jaw movement. It can also cause pain in your jaw and face and cause the muscles around your jaw to become sore or spasm. Anything that stresses or overworks the joint can cause or aggravate TMJ symptoms.

This article discusses what you should not do if you have TMJ. Using these strategies, you can avoid aggravating the joint and help keep TMJ pain at bay.

1. Chewing Gum

You may enjoy chewing gum, but you should avoid it if you have TMJ. Your jaw is the most frequently used joint in your body. Excessive use of the joints and muscles relieves pressure and allows them to rest.

Resting sore muscles and joints is the first step toward resolving TMJ symptoms.

2. Eating Hard Foods

Bagels are delicious, but they are also hard on the jaw. When you have TMJ pain, you should avoid eating hard foods such as bagels and apples.

These foods may put too much strain on your jaw, preventing it from getting the rest it needs to heal properly.

3. Non-Functional Jaw Activites

We frequently do things with our jaws unconsciously or out of habit as we go about our daily lives.

You may find yourself mindlessly chewing on a pen while reading or writing. While watching TV or browsing the internet, you may bite your nails or chew on small pieces of clothing. Children's thumbs may suck. These parafunctional activities may put a strain on your TMJ and slow healing.

4. Resting on Your Chin

While studying, browsing social media, or watching TV, many people rest their jaw in their hands. This position may be comfortable but can be detrimental to your jaw.

This pressure on the side of your jaw may push against the joint, causing the disc to move out of place and causing issues with how your jaw opens and closes.

Breaking the habit of resting your chin on your hand can help your joints heal properly.

5. Chewing Only on One Side

Humans are creatures of habit, and many of us chew our food on one side or the other of our mouths. Unfortunately, this can cause one side of your temporomandibular joint and surrounding muscles to become stressed, resulting in TMJ pain and joint dysfunction.

Try to be conscious of your chewing habits and consume food on both sides of your mouth. If you have dental issues or tooth pain on one side, make an appointment with your dentist to have it fixed so you can chew evenly and comfortably.

6. Clenching Your Teeth

The medical term for clenching your teeth together is bruxism. This could happen during the day or while sleeping. When you have TMJ, clenching your teeth can put tremendous strain on the muscles in your jaw.

Stress can cause teeth clenching, so working to manage your stress can help. Your dentist may also recommend that you wear a mouth guard while sleeping to prevent your teeth from clenching excessively.

7. Slouching

Your jaw works best when your head is above your cervical spine and your posture is upright. Slouching can alter how your jaw muscles work and how your jaw opens and closes.

When you are getting TMJ treatment, your physical therapist may suggest that you change your posture. This may entail strengthening your back and shoulder muscles as well as setting frequent reminders to sit tall.

8. Waiting to Get Treatment

Many people suffering from musculoskeletal issues simply wait for the pain and limited motion to disappear. However, if you are experiencing problems with your jaw joint (the most used joint in the body), you should seek treatment immediately.

TMJ is frequently self-limiting (it goes away on its own) and non-progressive, with a high recovery rate with conservative treatment—all the more reason to seek help right away.