4 Habits That Are Bad For TMD
Did you know that certain things you do on a daily basis affect your TMD condition and can lead to a flare-up of symptoms? Unfortunately, when we have a habit, we don’t even realize how it is affecting our daily life. When you suffer from TMD, you may not realize what daily habits you have that are triggering your symptoms. Continue reading to learn some common habits that may be contributing to your issues.
Habits to Avoid
You may be surprised to learn that certain things you do on a daily basis without thinking are contributing to your flare-up of TMD symptoms. If you become aware of these habits, you can make a conscious effort to break the ones that may be making your symptoms worse. They can include:
Chewing On and Biting Non-Food Items
When feeling nervous or anxious, many adults have a bad habit of chewing on items such as pens, pencils, and fingernails. Not only is it bad for your teeth, but the repeated motion can also lead to discomfort with your jaw. Although it technically is a food item, chewing on ice can also cause extreme discomfort to your jaw.
Clenching Your Teeth
If you are frequently dealing with high stress situations, you may not be aware that you are clenching your teeth during the day. To ease your stress we recommend adding in some moments of relaxation when you get a chance. You can try taking more deep breaths, yoga or meditation.
Slouching
If you spend a large portion of your day sitting, you may not realize how often you slouch. Slouching can lead to issues with your back, neck and can lead to complications with your TMD symptoms.
Chewing Gum
Unfortunately, chewing gum can cause issues with your jaw if you suffer from TMD. In place of gum, we recommend sucking on a mint instead.
If your TMD symptoms begin to flare up or you start experiencing any other issues or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to our office located in Auburn & Silverdale, WA. We are happy to help!
