10 Things That Make TMJ Disorder Worse

10 Habits and Behaviors That Make TMJ Disorder Worse

Whether you experience mild jaw discomfort or severe pain and locking, avoiding triggers is a critical element of managing temporomandibular joint disorder. Many of the movements and habits that worsen TMJ are automatic and easy to overlook but once identified, they can be modified to meaningfully reduce symptoms.

Learn about TMJ diagnosis and treatment at our Gilbert dental office  →  East Valley TMJ

What Causes TMJ Disorder?

TMJ disorder can result from heredity, connective tissue disorders, jaw injury, teeth grinding, or dental misalignment. It causes muscle tension in the face and jaw, with symptoms including popping or clicking sounds, earache, and jaw locking. Without treatment, the condition tends to worsen over time.

10 Things That Make TMJ Disorder Worse

1. Using Your Teeth as Tools

Using teeth to open packages or bottles places stress on the jaw joint. Use scissors or a bottle opener instead.

2. Nervous Chewing

Chewing pencils, pens, or other objects when anxious strains the jaw. Try sugar-free mints instead of gum.

3. Chewing Gum

Resting sore jaw muscles is the first step in reducing TMJ symptoms. Chewing gum works directly against this.

4. Chewing Only on One Side

Favoring one side creates uneven strain on the jaw joint. Make a conscious effort to chew on both sides.

5. Resting Your Chin on Your Hand

Pushing against the side of the jaw can displace the disc. Removing this habit allows the joint to recover its proper position.

6. Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding reliably worsens TMJ symptoms and causes dental damage. A custom nightguard is an effective preventive measure.

7. Tobacco Use

Smoking significantly increases the risk of chronic pain conditions and worsens TMJ disorder.

8. Poor Posture

Rounded shoulders and a forward head position affect jaw alignment. Good posture is a recognized component of TMJ treatment.

9. Sleeping on Your Stomach

Stomach sleeping misaligns the spine and increases jaw pressure. Sleeping on the back with a supportive pillow reduces jaw strain.

10. Delaying Treatment

TMJ is the most frequently used joint in the body. Untreated dysfunction tends to worsen with continued use. Conservative treatment produces good results when pursued promptly.

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Get TMJ Diagnosis and Treatment in Gilbert, AZ

If you suspect TMJ disorder, Dr. John A. Garza DDS, LVIF, FIAPA, FICOI can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend treatment. No referral needed — book online or call (480) 539-7979.

About the Author

Dr. John A. Garza DDS, LVIF, FIAPA, FICOI has been practicing dentistry in Gilbert, AZ since 1994. He is highly trained in neuromuscular and physiologic dentistry, with extensive experience diagnosing and treating TMJ disorder, orofacial pain, and jaw dysfunction. One of fewer than 500 dentists worldwide to hold the LVIF designation from the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies.