You’ve heard of it! Sometimes it’s called the 10-second rule. Other times, you hear someone say, “Count to 10 first.” Whatever the case, the goal is to give yourself to a count of 10 seconds in order to make a decision, calm down, and the list goes on. So, what does counting have to do with your TMJ disorder and protecting your jaw, you wonder? The truth is, this rule can be extremely beneficial for you if you’re doing everything you can to protect your jaw health. Consider some ways it can benefit you!
Pause 10 Seconds Before Eating
Are you about to bite into something? Do you usually reach for something that looks or smells delightful and immediately chomp into it without too much investigative work? If so, we encourage you to begin using the 10 second rule when you’re eating something new or different than usual. As a result, you’ll have time to think it through, ask yourself if it will harm your jaw health or make TMJ disorder worse, and then decide from there.
Take 10 Seconds To Relax
If you struggle with TMJ disorder, you know it’s good to give yourself time to relax. You can let all of your muscles soften, so you’re not carrying your stress all day, every day in your jaw joints. However, are you really doing this? Or do you just think “relax!” to yourself and carry on? To make sure you focus, take the time, and decompress daily, count to 10. It will give you time to actually separate from your day and make the choice to relax those muscles!
Mad? Count To 10!
Super upset? Count to 10. It will help you relax your jaw. This is much better than immediately gritting your teeth, which makes TMJ disorder worse.
Protect TMJs With Our Effective Tips
Consider ways to relieve TMJ stress and tension by thinking through our tips (and then schedule a visit to see us for treatment). 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.
