During most of the year, taking care of your smile isn’t too difficult. Caring for your TMJ disorder when you find out that it’s affecting you isn’t too tall an order either! However, when certain days like Halloween roll around, it can present you with some challenges you don’t necessarily know how to deal with. You want to indulge but you know that you need to be careful with your TMJs, so what should you do, you wonder? Allow yourself to gather up some tips from our Austin, MN team and you’ll feel confident (and still very excited) about the holiday.
If It’s Chewy, Crunchy, Or Hard To Eat: Don’t Do It
Remember this Halloween that even though it’s a holiday, your jaw joints don’t know that. What’s for sure is that if you eat some chewy candy that takes a very long time to chew, you may stress your TMJs. If you eat something super crunchy or hard, it’s going to exhaust your TMJs. So, be very careful about the foods that you’re eating, so you don’t make things worse for your TMJ disorder! It’s all about protecting your jaw joints and keeping things calm. Keep in mind that softer textures and treats that dissolve quickly will be better suited to your smile this year (just remember to brush your teeth after you enjoy).
Find Ways To Manage Your Stress
Is there something about having trick-or-treaters coming to your house this year that is causing you serious stress? Maybe you have a huge work deadline! Perhaps you’re just not feeling it. Or, is there a party you’re invited to but Halloween events always cause you some anxiety? Whatever it is, give yourself and your jaw joints a break this year! Our team reminds you to skip anything that’s going to add to your stress levels, as it can take a serious toll on your TMJ disorder (or, at the very least, take time to meditate and relax throughout less than ideal moments).
Don’t Forget Your Treatment
If you’re relying on TMJ disorder therapy at the moment, we remind you that it’s very important to keep using it. Don’t get too carried away with the festivities and forget to put your mouthguard in! Remind yourself on Halloween night, like every night, to use your treatment. Easy as that.
Protect Your TMJ Health This Halloween
Have questions about how to get through holiday time without harming your smile? We can always offer hints. Schedule a visit with our Austin, MN practice today by contacting Potach and Mitchell Dental Clinic today at 507-437-6312 to schedule your care.
