If you suffer from temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ or TMD), you know that flare-ups can be painful and frustrating. TMJ flare-ups often involve jaw pain, headaches, earaches, clicking or popping sounds, and difficulty opening or closing your mouth. While it’s important to focus on relief strategies, it’s just as critical to understand what not to do during a flare-up. Certain actions can worsen your symptoms and delay recovery. Here’s what you should avoid when dealing with TMJ discomfort.
Don’t Chew Gum or Tough Foods
Chewing puts a lot of strain on the jaw muscles and joints, something you definitely want to avoid during a flare-up. Gum, tough meats, crusty bread, raw vegetables, and chewy candies require excessive jaw movement and force. Stick to soft foods like yogurt, smoothies, scrambled eggs, and mashed potatoes until your symptoms subside.
Don’t Clench or Grind Your Teeth
Teeth grinding (bruxism) and clenching can make TMJ symptoms worse, especially if you’re already in the middle of a flare-up. Many people do this without realizing it, particularly during stressful times or while sleeping. If you suspect grinding is a problem, speak to your dentist about wearing a nightguard. During the day, be mindful of keeping your teeth slightly apart and your jaw relaxed.
Don’t Yawn or Open Too Wide
It might seem silly, but something as normal as yawning can cause added pain during a TMJ flare-up. Try to avoid opening your mouth too wide, whether you’re yawning, laughing, singing, or eating. If you do yawn, gently support your jaw with your hand to reduce the strain on the joint.
Don’t Rely on Hard Pillows or Poor Sleep Positions
Your sleeping position can greatly affect TMJ pain. Avoid sleeping on your stomach, which can force your jaw into awkward positions. A hard pillow may also strain your neck and jaw. Use a supportive but soft pillow and try sleeping on your back to minimize pressure on the jaw joint.
Don’t Skip Stress Management
TMJ flare-ups often coincide with periods of high stress. That’s because stress can lead to jaw clenching, muscle tension, and even unconscious grinding. Ignoring stress is a mistake. Instead, make time for relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, gentle yoga, or taking walks. Managing stress not only helps your mental health—it can significantly reduce TMJ pain.
Don’t Ignore the Pain
Trying to “tough it out” without addressing the pain may prolong your recovery. Apply moist heat or cold packs to the jaw area, take over-the-counter pain relievers if advised by your doctor, and consider gentle jaw stretches recommended by your dentist or physical therapist. Avoiding proper care can lead to chronic symptoms.
TMJ flare-ups are uncomfortable, but making smart choices during these episodes can help minimize pain and speed up recovery. Avoiding harmful habits like chewing gum, grinding your teeth, and opening your jaw too wide can make a big difference. When in doubt, consult with your dentist or healthcare provider for personalized advice to keep your jaw healthy and pain-free.
About the Practice
Are you suffering from pain and discomfort due to your TMD? Our team at Exceptional Dentistry would be happy to relieve you of your issues. We have a dentist with years of experience in dealing with TMD problems to give you the best care possible. You’ll love our custom-fitted oral appliances designed to keep you breathing and sleeping easy at night, or get immediate relief with Botox injections. Whatever you desire, we’ll be sure to help you get results. Schedule an appointment with us online or call (301) 460-3331.