Hi docs! what could make tmj disorder worse?

TMJ/TMD: It can get worse by just functions of the jaw- eating, chewing, yawning, singing, playing a musical instrument, trauma, yelling...Get the picture? Even a slight popping over the years can slowly develop into a locking or limitation of opening or trouble closing the jaw. I would see a dentist or tmj/tmd specialist before it gets worse and becomes much harder to treat.

Clenching: Chronic clenching and overloading the joints is the primary cause of TMD. Get rid of stress or protect your joints during clenching with a properly constructed splint.

Makes TMJ Worse: Clenching and grinding of your teeth, opening your mouth too wide, chewing very hard or chewy foods, poor diet, smoking make chronic pain worse, inadequate sleep, bad bite, stress, oral surgery, general anesthesia, jaw or facial injury, some night guards, other head and neck pain problems, whiplast injuries.