Do you have a sore jaw? Whether you have already found out through a diagnosis with our practice that you have TMJ disorder or if you are just beginning to seek out details regarding your pain, we have suggestions. If you take special care to avoid a few habits that can make matters worse, you will offer your jaw the relaxation and protection it needs for some immediate relief.
#1: Chewing More Than Necessary
Are you chewing more than you need to chew throughout the day? Here’s what we mean: Are you eating a few meals and perhaps one snack? Or, do you tend to grab a bite here and there throughout the entire day, so you’re almost always snacking? Are you chewing sugarless gum to freshen your breath? When you chew much more frequently than is absolutely necessary, you overwork your jaw. The result? You guessed it: A sore jaw.
#2: Chewing Hard-To-Chew Things
What types of foods are you eating? Are you a fan of all things chewy and crunchy? As you may have already guessed, eating soup or applesauce, soft breads, etc., is very gentle on your jaws. A sore jaw, however, may become worse if you’re eating tough meats, chewy candies, hard crackers, etc.
#3: Participating In Mindless Chewing Habits
Do you tend to chew on your nails, pen, or whatever you have in hand? These types of habits will worsen TMJ disorder and a sore jaw, so do your best to avoid them. Instead, put that energy toward scheduling a visit with our practice for a quick checkup!
Schedule A Visit ASAP For Your Sore Jaw
If you have a sore jaw that doesn’t go away, come in as soon as you can for a checkup, so we may treat and improve an underlying TMJ disorder. We invite you to schedule an appointment with your Katy, TX dentist at Lathrop Dental Center by calling 832-437-3849. We proudly welcome patients and families from Katy, Fulshear, Weston Lakes, Simonton, Richmond, Rosenberg, Brookshire, Wallis, Orchard, Cypress, Sealy, Columbus, and all surrounding communities.
