TMJ Disorder and the Holidays

With the holidays right around the corner, TMJ Disorder often flares up, interrupting what should be a wonderful time with friends and family. Although the TMD might be pre-existing, the hustle and bustle and accompanying hassle that tends to occur this time of year will often cause tension, causing TMD symptoms to escalate. TMJ Disorder symptoms include clicking, popping, and grinding noises in the jaw, pain in the face, neck, and shoulders, ringing and pain in the ears, and headaches and migraines.

Even though this time of year is often our favorite, there is no negating the extra stress that accompanies it. Although coming in to see Dr. Sid Solomon in order to treat the underlying issues with your bite, there are some things that can be done in order help avoid the discomfort this holiday season:

·         Even though it is a demanding time, try to get eight hours of sleep a night.

·         Spend time relaxing your face and jaw muscles, especially if you hold a lot of tension there.

·         Avoid chewing gum, eating hard candies, or biting your fingernails because all three of those habits can cause additional strain on your jaw.

·         Pay attention to your posture, whether you’re at work, on a plane, driving, or watching television.

·         Get a massage to help release some of the tension in your neck and shoulders

·         Use over the counter medication SPARINGLY

·         Although they may seem like a viable option, avoid purchasing over the counter mouth guards from the store; these guards will often cause more bad than good

·         Exercise can help a lot with stress because it releases endorphins. It is beneficial to get out and get your blood moving, whether that’s through yoga, going on walks, going to the gym, or swimming.

If untreated and aggravated, TMJ can distract from the significance of the holidays and the enjoyment of spending time with those you love. Patients can actually lose the ability to open their mouth properly, making eating and talking difficult and painful. If you’re experiencing any of the many symptoms of TMJ Disorder, schedule an appointment today to see Dr. Sid Solomon, so he can help create a treatment plan that will get you back to where you need to be: pain free and able to focus on loved ones, holiday travels, and the wonderful food that comes along with this time of year!