Don’t Let TMD Ruin Your Holidays!
December is here, which means the holiday season is upon us yet again. While this is a joyous time for many, there are just as many who struggle during this time of year. Even people who generally love the holidays can have difficulties from time to time because of a variety of issues such as the loss of a loved one, family that lives far away, or a medical condition that can be difficult to navigate during a change in routine. We want to share some reminders for our TMD patients on ways they can still enjoy the holidays while continuing their care and following the guidelines we recommended. Continue reading to learn more.
Don’t Let the Holidays Impact Your TMD
We know that it is easy to become overwhelmed with the holidays. It is also just as tempting to enjoy all the holidays have to offer. We want to offer two reminders to our TMD patients to help them enjoy the holiday season:
Stay Relaxed
As exciting as the holidays can be, they are also a time that can bring upon stress and anxiety for many. Whether you are traveling to visit family and have to deal with traffic or the craziness of airports and ever changing flights or you are trying to manage your holiday schedule full of parties, shopping trips, get-togethers with friends and family, and what seems like endless events, this time of year and the holiday season is a recipe for stress levels to go through the roof. While this is not healthy for anyone, our TMD patients need to be particularly mindful of their stress levels. We recommend planning ahead, making lists, and carving out time to relax. We would hate for added stress to trigger your TMD symptoms and ruin your holiday plans.
Eat Right
The holiday season is known for delicious foods and drinks. While we want our patients to enjoy themselves over the holiday season, we also want to remind you to follow our food directions and avoid anything that may trigger your symptoms. Be sure to drink plenty of water, and if you feel any discomfort, switch to a soft diet and eat foods that you know your jaw can handle.
If you experience any discomfort or issues with TMD during the holiday season, be sure to contact our office located in Auburn & Silverdale, WA as soon as possible. We are here to support you during this time. We hope you and your family have a happy and healthy holiday season!