Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ disorder for short) is easy to aggravate without realizing it. Your jaw joint is involved in almost everything you do: eating, talking, yawning, and even breathing. So, when something is off, simply going about your day can feel like a struggle—especially if you’re unintentionally making things worse. If you’re dealing with jaw pain, headaches, or clicking and popping in your jaw, here are five habits worth stopping.
1. Chewing Gum
Believe it or not, chomping on gum is one of the worst things you can do for an aggravated jaw joint. It puts your TMJ under repetitive, sustained stress—the kind that inflames an already irritated joint. If you need a sugary fix to concentrate, try sucking on sugar-free mints instead. They don’t require chewing and can give you a similar sensation
2. Eating Hard or Chewy Foods
Gum isn’t the only jaw-straining food out there. Anything crunchy and chewy will force your jaw muscles to work overtime, which is a recipe for disaster when you’re already in pain. Avoid hard pretzels, bagels, raw fruits and veggies, tough cuts of meat, and similar foods until your jaw settles. During a TMJ flare, softer foods, like soups, smoothies, eggs, and steamed vegetables, are your best friends.
3. Clenching and Grinding Your Teeth
Clenching or grinding your teeth (Bruxism) is one of the most common contributors to TMJ disorder, and many people do it without ever knowing. The pressure placed on your joint during grinding is often more than you realize, leading to soreness, headaches, and more.
If your dentist suggests that you might be grinding your teeth at night, a nightguard can protect your TMJ while you sleep.
4. Resting Your Jaw on Your Hand
Do you often prop your chin up on your fist or palm while sitting at your desk? While it’s comfortable for a while, this position places uneven pressure directly on your jaw joint and can throw off your bite alignment over time. If you catch yourself doing it, try to make a conscious effort to break the habit.
5. Sitting with Poor Posture
If you find yourself hunching while staring at a screen all day, you could be unknowingly aggravating your symptoms. Instead of jutting your head forward, keep it between your shoulders. This balances your musculature better and can make a meaningful difference over time.
TMJ disorder doesn’t always go away on its own, so it’s always worth having a dentist take a look. Once they find the root of your discomfort, they can offer effective options to help you get back to smiling.
About the Practice
At 21st Century Dental of Irving, our team offers TMJ treatment and custom nightguards to help patients find lasting relief. Whether you suffer from jaw pain, headaches, or other related symptoms, you’ll be in good hands with us. If you suspect TMJ disorder is affecting your quality of life, call us at (972) 255-3712 to schedule a TMJ consultation and take the first step toward living without pain.