The holidays in Austin, Texas, are a special time. There’s food, fun, and lots of things to do. But if you live with jaw stiffness or soreness, this season might feel a little different. TMJ treatment in Austin often feels harder to manage during the holidays, and that’s something Dr. Ashley Smitherman knows firsthand.

With all the changes in daily routines, travel plans, and extra activity, some people start to notice more clicking, tension, or pain in their jaw. Even things like cold mornings and holiday snacks can make symptoms feel worse than usual. If your jaw feels tighter or more uncomfortable than normal, you're not the only one. There are real reasons why this time of year can be tricky for people managing TMJ.

Why TMJ Can Feel Worse During the Holidays

The holiday season is full of small stressors that can sneak up on the body. That added pressure often shows up in places we don’t expect, like the jaw.

• Stress can cause jaw clenching or teeth grinding without us even noticing, especially during travel, shopping, or family events

• Colder weather, while not too extreme in Austin, can still lead to some muscle tension that affects the joints around the jaw

• Some people miss routine check-ins or changes in care habits as they get caught up in the season

All these things may sound minor on their own, but they can add up. Dr. Ashley Smitherman often sees these changes show up each year. Everyday patterns may shift fast, putting more strain on the jaw than usual. And since many people don’t expect extra pain during a time that’s supposed to be fun, it can catch them off guard.

How Holiday Habits Play a Role

Holiday food and family time are welcome parts of December in Austin, but they can bring some unexpected challenges too. If you're dealing with TMJ discomfort, what you eat and how much you're talking can make a difference.

• Chewing on chewy candy, crusty bread, or sticky desserts can put more pressure on your jaw

• All that chatting at holiday parties or dinners can tire out those muscles more than you'd expect

• Changing sleep schedules (think staying up late or sleeping on different pillows while away from home) can lead to tighter neck and jaw muscles

Dr. Ashley Smitherman has seen how these small shifts influence the way her patients feel by the new year. A few late nights or a plate of chewy brisket may not seem like much, but if you’re already working through TMJ symptoms, they can make things feel worse.

When to Consider Reaching Out to Dr. Ashley Smitherman

Holidays often come with a full calendar. It's tempting to push through jaw pain and pretend it’s no big deal. But that nagging discomfort should never be ignored. If things start to feel off, Dr. Ashley Smitherman is someone who can help make sense of those changes.

• If you're waking up with more jaw stiffness or headaches, it’s worth paying attention

• If your jaw feels tired during phone calls, dinner, or rest, you're not imagining it

• If you've had a TMJ plan in place but symptoms are coming back, a quick check-in may be helpful

We know how tempting it is to wait until things calm down, but letting pain go unchecked during the holidays can make it last longer than it needs to. That doesn’t mean doing anything dramatic. Just fitting TMJ care back into your regular rhythm can sometimes make a big difference.

Ways Dr. Ashley Smitherman Helps Make TMJ Treatment Manageable This Time of Year

One thing that sets this season apart is how much life speeds up. Travel, events, kids out of school, it’s a lot to juggle. That’s why being flexible matters when it comes to managing TMJ.

• Care plans can be shaped around holiday travel or adjusted so you don’t miss out on anything important

• Check-ins can be quicker or spaced out over time depending on how packed things get

• Dr. Ashley Smitherman may suggest smaller changes that still make room for enjoyment, like resting your jaw between social outings or sticking to softer foods when needed

TMJ (temporomandibular joint) pain can have several possible causes, including injury, arthritis, or stress. Dr. Ashley Smitherman provides individualized TMJ treatment options at Perspective Dental in Austin, using advanced diagnostics and conservative approaches whenever possible. 

Many patients benefit from a custom oral appliance or physical therapy recommendations. As stated on the service page, Perspective Dental creates treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs, always prioritizing comfort and functionality.

We believe TMJ treatment should fit your lifestyle, not take it over. There’s no need for added stress when support is possible in a way that works with your season.

Enjoying Austin’s Holidays With a Healthier Jaw

The holidays should be something you enjoy, not something that adds more discomfort. If your jaw has been bothering you, it may be time to slow down and notice the signals your body is giving you.

Small choices, from what you eat to how much you rest, can shape how your jaw feels every day. Perspective Dental welcomes patients seeking relief from TMJ pain, offering a supportive and personalized approach that puts your well-being first. Dr. Ashley Smitherman is here to help guide you through it, so you don’t lose what makes the season special. Keep your comfort part of the plan. Your jaw will thank you for it.

At Perspective Dental, we know how much the holidays can throw your routine off, especially when you're trying to keep jaw pain in check. If tension, soreness, or clicking is starting to get in the way of your plans, it might be time to take a closer look at your care. 

Dr. Ashley Smitherman understands how seasonal habits affect the way your jaw feels and can help you feel more comfortable as the year winds down. You can read more about how we handle TMJ treatment in Austin and see if it's a good time to schedule a visit. Give us a call when you're ready, we're here to help you feel better this season.