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.

Tips For Managing TMD During The Summer

Are you concerned about experiencing a TMD flare-up during the summer months? The summer is a time where many people adopt the motto “anything goes” and live every day to the fullest. People are enjoying longer days, cookouts with friends, day trips, time off from work, and vacations. For patients who experience TMD, it can be tempting to put your restrictions aside and enjoy all the summer has to offer. We would not recommend this; however, we know that flare-ups can happen at any time. We wanted to share some tips to help you survive the summer if you should experience a TMD flare-up. Read on to learn these tips.

This Time Of Year Can Be Worse For TMD Sufferers

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! If you sang those popular lyrics in your head while reading, then you are one of the many who are starting preparations for the upcoming holiday season. While the holiday season can leave many filled with joy, it is well known that the holidays can also be a huge cause of stress for many. Sitting around a Thanksgiving table with your uncle questioning your life decisions or shopping for hours, either in person or online, for the perfect holiday gift can leave anyone’s jaw twitching in discomfort. For those that suffer with TMD, it can be even worse. Read on to learn some techniques to manage your TMD during the stressful holiday season.

Helpful Ways to Deal With Stress

Stress and anxiety are common experiences for most people. In fact, approximately 70% of adults in the United States say they feel stress or anxiety daily. This is further heightened by the events that have transpired over the past few months. Individuals who have never experienced stress before are confused about what they are feeling. Stress is how the body reacts to and handles harmful situations, but ongoing stress can manifest in physical ways, like teeth clenching. Clenching teeth puts additional strain on the jaw muscles and increases the pressure on the jaw joint. Symptoms experienced can range from a sore jaw, muscle pain, tooth pain, or headaches as a result. Those who experience issues with TMD need to be particularly mindful of their stress levels. A recent article in The New York Times, mentions all of these symptoms and more as they relate to stress in dealing with the coronavirus outbreak. Learning to manage stress can help relieve these symptoms.