The Risks Of Coffee And The Effect On TMJ

The Risks Of Coffee And The Effect On TMJ | Remi Night Guards

Did you know that Caffeine can be bad for your jaw muscles? Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world. It is enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds. However, coffee and caffeine consumption can have serious side effects. Coffee is known for its stimulating effects on the central nervous system. This means that it can increase energy and improve cognitive function. However, too much caffeine can also have negative effects on the body.

One of coffee's most common side effects is the development of TMJ syndrome. This syndrome is also known as coffee-induced headache, caffeine headache, or caffeine sensitivity headache. It is a common problem that affects a large number of people.

TMJ syndrome is a condition that affects the jaw and the surrounding tissues. It can cause pain and stiffness in the neck and head. It is also possible to develop TMJ syndrome after you have had surgery on your jaw. But avoiding coffee completely is not as simple as it may sound. To avoid experiencing negative side effects, simply reduce your coffee consumption.


woman drinking cup

Caffeine affects muscles

It is a well-known fact that coffee affects the muscles in the jaw. However, many people are unaware that this beverage can exacerbate this disorder. Caffeine affects the nervous system, causing anxiety and stress. The resulting stress can cause bruxism or teeth grinding disorder. Aside from pain, TMJ disorder can also lead to worn-down tooth enamel.

Caffeine is present in coffee, energy drinks, tea, and some medications. It does not directly affect the TMJ muscles but can exacerbate the symptoms. Caffeine acts as a diuretic, causing your body to excrete more fluid through urine than usual. When the muscles in your jaw are dehydrated, they can become tighter and irritable. Therefore, cutting caffeine from your diet can help improve your TMJ symptoms.

Those suffering from TMJ should avoid drinking coffee or sodas and eating hard foods. These foods place additional stress on the jaw and prevent proper healing. Caffeine is also a diuretic, and alcohol deprives your muscles of necessary moisture. For this reason, it is important to avoid caffeine and alcohol. The same goes for cigarettes. Avoiding caffeine and alcohol may help reduce the frequency and severity of your TMJ symptoms.



splash of water in drinking glass with sliced lemon

Caffeine causes pain

Did you know that caffeine can cause pain in your TMJ? Studies have shown that caffeine is one of the most common causes of TMJ pain, as it creates a feeling of alertness and winds up the nervous system. Switching to decaf coffee or green tea can help you decrease the caffeine consumed daily. But you may be wondering whether or not this change is enough to alleviate your pain.

In addition to coffee, other foods and beverages contain caffeine. Green tea, energy drinks, and some prescription medicines also contain caffeine. Caffeine is a diuretic, which encourages the body to excrete more water as urine. When that happens, the muscles in your jaw become dehydrated and inflamed. This leads to various TMJ symptoms, including pain, tightness, and reduced joint movement.

Caffeine causes palpitations

Did you know that coffee and tea contain caffeine? Nearly 85% of the U.S. population consumes caffeine every day. Coffee and tea contain the most caffeine, while soft drinks and energy drinks have less. However, you may want to reduce caffeine intake if you have frequent heart palpitations. Caffeine is a stimulant, and a high level of consumption can signal an underlying heart problem.

Heart palpitations are an uncomfortable sensation of a fluttering, racing, or irregular heartbeat. They can be felt in the neck, throat, and chest. Some people experience the sensation more often when lying down. Palpitations can be caused by various medical conditions and may signify a more serious problem. Your doctor can order tests to determine the cause of palpitations and determine the best treatment.

Caffeine causes bruxism disorder

The world's most commonly consumed psychoactive drug, caffeine, is linked to sleep bruxism. Alcohol, caffeine, and other stimulants can disrupt sleep consolidation and distribution and increase serotonin, dopamine, and opioid levels. In addition, large amounts of alcohol can have harmful effects on the brain and central nervous system. As a result, drinking alcohol before bed has been linked to sleep bruxism.

The prevalence of bruxism begins at birth when teeth have first erupted. The disorder increases rapidly through childhood, peaking at 12 percent in young adulthood and decreasing to 2 to 4 percent in middle age. It may be higher in Asian Americans. It affects both males and females equally. It is important to note that caffeine is not the only culprit, and it may even increase the severity of bruxism in some people.

Another common symptom of bruxism is a constant headache. In addition, a sore jaw may result from grinding while sleeping. The best way to determine if bruxism is causing a clenching or grinding disorder is to consult with a medical professional, who can examine the mouth, jaw, and teeth for signs of the disorder.

Why custom night guards can help

smiling woman in white knit sweater

If you suffer from TMJ syndrome, you know that clenching and grinding your teeth at night can really mess with your sleep. Check out Remi's custom night guards and accessories to get a customized fit for your individual mouth.

Ana has worked for the past two years at Remi. She is a California-native and proud San Franciscan. Ana Milian RDA Head Dental Technician



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