3 Tips for a Healthier Jaw

As Dawson trained dentists, our team is experienced in identifying and diagnosing complex TMJ disorders. TMJ disorders, also known as inflammation or injury to the temporomandibular joint, may present with many different symptoms including jaw pain, frequent tension headaches, or earaches. As your Rockland County, NY dentists, we are here to help you relieve your TMJ symptoms and restore your smile. Here are three things you can do for a healthier jaw:

Practice Mindfulness

Your TMJ joints are where the lower and upper jaw meet. They are mostly at work when you are chewing or speaking. However, your jawbone may take on more pressure than what is natural, especially if you have a history of teeth grinding or jaw clenching when under stress. It’s important to practice mindfulness if you suffer from jaw pain. Whenever you feel yourself becoming stressed, pay attention to your jaw and make sure you keep your facial muscles relaxed. You can also leave yourself reminders around your home or workspace to relax your jaw throughout the day. The more aware you are of your jaw clenching, the less likely you are to develop jaw pain.

Avoid Chewy & Crunchy Foods

If you are experiencing jaw pain, avoid eating foods that are harder to chew. For example, chewing gum while experiencing jaw pain can cause your muscles to become even more overworked and sore. Additionally, munching on crispy potato chips will have similar effects to the added tension in your jawbone. Instead, eat softer snacks like pita bread and hummus, or string cheese, to keep your chewing from inflaming the jaw joints. Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever can help relieve your jaw health at the moment if you are struggling to reduce your jaw pain in the moment.

Call Your Dentist for TMJ Treatment

Dr. Peter Auster and Dr. Frances Tang are both Alumni of the prestigious Dawson Academy. They have developed an in-depth understanding of creating a healthier jaw and how it relates to overall health and the function of your smile.  When you visit our office, we will thoroughly evaluate your bite pattern and look for signs and symptoms of TMJ disorders. We will also ask you about how often you experience jaw pain, and how long it lasts. Then, our dentists will come up with a treatment plan that is individualized to you and your needs.  Finding relief for your symptoms may be as simple as scheduling a consultation with our Rockland County, NY dentists.