At this time of the year, preparation and gatherings can add extra stress to your holidays. Holiday stress can add to muscle tension, tooth pain, and headaches. If you have TMJ or TMD it can be a real pain. Although your dentist can't help with the planning or try to satisfy your mother in law, there are some things your dentist may suggest for reducing holiday stress.

1. Massage: Through scheduling an hour of massage, you can help to eliminate your stress. Certified massage therapists can relieve muscle tension and pain and headaches brought on by TMJ. Also massage therapists are generally punctual and cost a minimal amount, so as not to add unnecessary stress on your pocketbook.

2. Exercise: Exercise can instantly expand self-esteem, allow for sleep, relieve stress and burn off those extra holiday calories. Don't allow your exercise to get away from you during the busy holiday season. Do it first thing in the morning and your day will be much better.

3. Night guard: Many people naturally clench or grind their teeth. This is a symptom of TMJ and can cause all kinds of painful problems with your jaw, such as morning headaches, and add to your stress this holiday season. A custom night guard can be made by your dentist to help you relax your jaw and protect your teeth. Once you have a night guard, you will never want to give it up!

4. Hot towels: Before bed, a hot towel on your face will help you relax and sleep better. The steamy heat will relax muscles helping prevent clenching and grinding. The moisture also helps open up your sinuses that are often congested because of colds and dry furnace heat. Being able to breathe can help you have a better night sleep!

5. Be attentive to keeping your teeth apart: Most people clench or grind their teeth and they don't even know they are doing it! During the day, be mindful of keeping your teeth slightly separated. It will amaze you how this little trick can relax you.

6. Breathe!: Don't overlook breathing! Taking big, deep breaths from your diaphragm will relax you instantly.

If you think you have TMJ or symptoms of TMJ, you should know that there are specially trained dentists who can treat TMJ with exceptional results. These dentists are known as neuromuscular dentists.

Click here for more information about TMJ treatment and other cosmetic dentistry procedures.

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