Alcohol Consumption Can Affect TMJ Disorder
Many Substances Can Contribute to the Aggravation of TMJD
Jul 3, 2009
At the risk of upsetting many, studies suggest if one is a drinker - even a light drinker, there is a strong possibility that one's TMJ Disorder (temporo mandibular jaw) problems may stem from, or be caused by alcohol use. And not just alcohol use, even caffeine and nicotine can exacerbate one's TMJ Disorder and other grinding and clenching problems.
Alcohol's Effect on TMJ Disorder
There is a great deal of speculation that alcohol consumption raises one's tendency to grind and clench because, in general, alcohol interferes with one's sleep patterns. Regardless of how deeply a person thinks he is sleeping after imbibing, studies indicate that alcohol only acts as a sedative in the early hours of sleep. Later, in the sleep cycle, sleep can be disturbed.
Anyone who has tippled before bed knows that he often feels fatigued upon awakening, despite how many hours he may have "slept." This is because the deep cycles of sleep are shortened - or missed altogether - when one drinks in the hours before bed.
These studies also indicate that nocturnal grinding and clenching can intensify after alcohol consumption.
Nicotine and Caffeine
Smokers, soda drinkers and coffee drinkers also have a tendency to clench and grind more than their non-smoking, drinking counterparts. Nicotine and caffeine act as stimulants to the nervous system. Over stimulation during the day may give one a sense of energy and alertness, sometimes even anxiety. Indeed, often one's blood pressure surges with even these mild stimulants. When one is sleeping, however, this excess nervous energy may be released in undesirable ways...such as clenching and grinding. Sleep itself may be disturbed and agitated, with deep cycles being shortened. This in turn contributes to clenching and grinding which most certainly can lead to TMJ Disorder.
Drug Effects on TMJD
Drugs, prescription and otherwise, can affect people in unanticipated ways. For example, prescription drugs for depression can cause clenching/grinding, as can over-the-counter products that treat cold symptoms. Read labels carefully. If the product raises blood pressure, causes dizziness, nervousness, sleeplessness etc. as a side effect, it may well contribute to nocturnal clenching and grinding.
Not all clenchers and grinders develop TMJ Disorder, however. And many who do have TMJD are not clenchers and grinders. Nevertheless, these substances can negatively affect both groups of people.
Finally, eating certain foods can cause tremendous stress on one's jaw joints and can ultimately lead to developing TMJD. Tough, chewy foods should probably be omitted, particularly by women who are statistically far more apt to develop this condition than men. Although men do suffer from TMJD, three times more women are afflicted with this condition.
A softer diet, elimination of alcoholic beverages, caffeine and nicotine may prove to be helpful for those who find themselves suffering from this condition. You Can Conquer TMJ: Ideas and Recipes is filled with helpful ideas and easy-to-cook, easy-to-chew recipes
