Hurtful Habits EVERYDAY ACTIVITIES THAT EXACERBATE TMD PAIN
SIT UP STRAIGHT As you learned on Page 2 of this newsletter, TMD can influence just about every part of your upper body. (And if you haven’t read our article on how TMD impacts your overall wellness, check it out!) This also means how you sit and position your upper body can influence your jaw bone. Proper spine alignment and sitting up straight can give your jaw the best possible positioning for proper function. Set alerts on your phone or watch to remind yourself to correct your posture throughout the day. It is amazing how many TMD issues are resolved with proper posture. TMD pain can be unbearable, but your daily habits can influence this pain. To learn more about tips and treatment options, schedule a consultation with H. Charles Jelinek, Jr., DDS, or visit NorthernVirginiaDental.com.
more pain. Be mindful of how often you move and use your jaw to prevent overworking, which can exacerbate your pain. LIPS TOGETHER, TEETH APART As we get stressed or as we concentrate, our bodies tend to tighten up. Oftentimes, one will put their teeth together in a clenching fashion without realizing it. “Lips together, teeth apart,” is a handy jingle Dr. Jelinek created to remind patients of the position of their jaws during these times of stress. Throughout the day, your mouth should be closed, but your teeth should not be touching. If you find that your teeth are together, separate your teeth and slide your tongue between your teeth — you won’t bite it. This handy trick will serve as a reminder to keep your teeth apart to help your jaw relax when it’s not being used. Spot-checking the position of your teeth is a great way to monitor your unconscious daytime clenching.
Living with temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) doesn’t have to change your life. Many people with the condition still live long, happy, healthy lives, even if it requires minor tweaking of daily habits. Adjust the following habits for a healthier and pain-free life with TMD. OVERWORKING YOUR JAW If you had too much garlic at lunch or have a late-afternoon sweet tooth, popping a piece of gum is a great solution, but when you live with TMD, this can cause additional flare-ups and pain. Instead, keep the hinging motion of your jaw tight and limited when you yawn. Large or tight yawns can displace your jaw and cause
Roasted Corn Salsa
Sudoku
Inspired by Bon Appétit magazine
INGREDIENTS
•
2 medium ears of corn, shucked
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1 jalapeño or Fresno chile, seeded and thinly sliced
•
1/2 red onion, diced
• 1 large tomato, cored, seeded, and finely chopped • 1/4 bunch cilantro leaves, sliced • Juice of 1 lime • Kosher salt, to taste
DIRECTIONS
1. Heat a cast-iron skillet to high. Char corn, turning occasionally, for 10–14 minutes until kernels begin to blacken in spots.
2. Using a sharp knife, remove corn kernels from cobs and transfer to a large mixing bowl. 3. With a wooden spoon or potato masher, gently crush corn to release starch and juices. 4. Add jalapeño, onion, tomato, and cilantro. Mix to combine.
5. Top with lime juice and season with salt. 6. Serve alongside your favorite tortilla chips.
Solution on Pg. 4
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