Do you have TMJ? It may be causing you problems when it comes to sleeping, eating, and even talking. TMJ is a condition that affects your life every single day, but you shouldn't let the problem control your life in the process. Here are some tips for dealing with TMJ.

Eating Food

TMJ pain can easily take the joy out of eating some of your favorite foods. That is why you need to watch what you're eating in terms of the food's characteristics. TMJ will cause the jaw to click and pop, especially when the jaw needs to shift around to chew.

In general, try to avoid foods that are overly crunchy or hard, like pretzels, carrots, celery, and apples. These may taste good in the moment, but they can leave your jaw feeling like it's in pain due to the movement required to chew them. You will still be able to eat these foods; just make sure to do so in moderation. Stop eating a food immediately if you notice that it is causing your jaw to shift, and then be sure to give your jaw some rest afterward.

Sleeping

Sleeping might not be a problem with you if you have TMJ. If you do, it is typically because of teeth grinding while you are sleeping. The behavior is unintentional, but it can cause you to wake up with a jaw that feels sore and aggravated.

The best way to prevent jaw pain in the morning is by using a mouth guard. Instead of using one of those cheap mouth guards at the local drug store, contact your dentist about making a custom one for you. By making it fit the exact shape of your mouth, the mouth guard will be more comfortable, and you'll be more likely to use it at night. Keep in mind that a mouth guard can make you drool, which is why some people find mouth guards unappealing.

Talking

TMJ usually does not impact speech for most people, but it is still possible. Pain can occur when you are making sounds that require you to open your mouth wide. Just be conscious of the motions that you make with your mouth, and you should be fine.

Thankfully, you don't have to live with TMJ forever. Contact your dentist about what sort of surgical options you have for correcting TMJ. Surgery may be just what you need to get rid of the pain that you constantly feel in your jaw.

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