Are Any Of These Habits Making Your TMD Worse?

We think it’s safe to say that most people have a habit of doing something that isn’t the best for their overall health. Maybe they drink soft drinks all day long, or perhaps they regularly spend hours binge-watching TV series. Habits like these are not the healthiest. Anytime you do something for immediate gratification that may lead to a long-term problem, it is considered a “bad habit”. If you suffer from TMD, you may be engaging in certain bad habits daily that can affect your treatment. Read on to learn if there are any habits you need to break.

Bad Habits That May Affect TMD

If you suffer from TMD, you may be engaging in certain bad habits daily that can affect your treatment. It is important to do your best to stop if you have any of the habits below:

Nail Biting
The habit of biting your nails is called onychophagia. This is a very hard habit for people to break. It is not possible to remove your fingers, so nail biters have to be mindful to stop the habit. To help you stop, you can paint a bitter-tasting solution on your nails to discourage nail biting.

Slouching
Having good posture is beneficial for a variety of reasons. One in particular is for the comfort of your back muscles, shoulders, and neck. Slouching can add pressure where you do not want it and can cause problems with TMD.

Grinding Your Teeth
Unfortunately, many people who grind their teeth are unaware until they are notified by a medical professional. Teeth grinding can cause pain and tenderness in the jaw. The tension can also cause severe headaches and lead to serious dental problems.

Please be honest with our team if you have any bad habits. We want to have all the information possible to be sure your treatment plan is working. If you have any questions about your TMD or sleep apnea condition, be sure to contact one of our two offices, which are located in Silverdale and Auburn, WA. We look forward to hearing from you soon!