Is Your Mask Affecting Your TMD Symptoms?

Center for TMJ & Sleep Solutions NW, Patient Education, TMD

Over the past year, we have had to change the way we go about our day to day lives. Running a quick errand now has additional tasks that involve using hand sanitizer and wearing a mask. A few years ago, many of us would never have believed that we would not only have to wear a mask wherever we went, but that many of us would have a favorite mask or collection of masks. At this point in our pandemic journey, we have all heard about the effects of wearing masks and have heard stories of those who are experiencing “maskne”, or facial acne caused by wearing a mask. Did you know that those who are affected by TMD are also experiencing an increase in discomfort in their jaw? In fact, it may have happened to you and you might not have realized the cause of your discomfort.

TMD Do’s and Don’ts To Get You Through the Holiday Season

Center for TMJ & Sleep Solutions NW, Patient Education, TMD

When living with TMD, it can be difficult to remember what is beneficial and what can be a trigger for the disorder. While receiving professional help for TMD, we will provide you with methods to cause relief and give a guideline for ways to help you enjoy your daily life. We understand that, during this special holiday time, it can be easy to succumb to the pressures and indulge in an activity that might not be the best to support your TMD issues. We have compiled a list of recommendations to help you remember how to help yourself and what you should avoid.

This Time Of Year Can Be Worse For TMD Sufferers

Center for TMJ & Sleep Solutions NW, TMD

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

Center for TMJ & Sleep Solutions NW, TMD

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.

The Facts About TMD

Center for TMJ & Sleep Solutions NW, TMD

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD), a condition affecting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), often goes undiagnosed because people who suffer from it might not know the cause of their pain, and therefore, don’t know where to go for treatment. That’s why it’s important to separate fact from fiction when it comes to this common problem, which affects as many as 10 million Americans.

Keep Your Appliance Clean

Center for TMJ & Sleep Solutions NW, Patient Education, Sleep Apnea, TMD

Your oral appliance works hard to help alleviate your TMD or sleep apnea systems. We understand it’s easy to forget about it once you take it out of your mouth, so we like to remind our patients every now and then about how to keep your appliance clean and in good condition. This will help extend the life of this important aid in your TMD or sleep apnea treatment. Read the tips below on how to care for your oral appliance.