Have you been suffering from chronic jaw pain and discomfort? Perhaps you’ve experienced headaches, difficulty opening or closing your mouth, and clicks or pops in your jaw? These are symptoms typical of temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ. At Kelley Mingus in Bend, Oregon, we believe in a holistic approach to TMJ treatment, encompassing a range of natural methods offering sustained jaw pain relief.
Understanding TMJ Disorder
Firstly, it’s crucial to understand what TMJ disorder is. The temporomandibular joint connects your jawbone to your skull. When any problems occur with this joint or the muscles controlling jaw movements, pain or discomfort can manifest – a condition known as TMJ disorder. This disorder can be significantly disruptive, impacting your ability to eat, talk, and engage in normal daily activities.
Natural Strategies for TMJ Treatment
While TMJ disorder can be attributed to various causes, including injury to the jaw, chronic grinding of the teeth or jaw clenching, arthritis, and even stress, not every patient requires invasive dental procedures. Many patients may find relief using holistic TMJ treatments that we offer at Kelley Mingus.
Dietary Adjustments
For those living with TMJ disorder, dietary changes can play a significant role in alleviating stress on the jaw joint. Softer foods require less chewing effort, thereby causing less strain on the affected muscles and joints. It’s recommended to avoid hard, crunchy, or chewy foods that demand more effort to break down.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy exercises, specially designed to strengthen jaw muscles, can help in reducing tension. These strategic movements and exercises can be performed at home to provide ongoing support to the jaw, relieving pain over time.
Stress Management
Stress can lead to jaw clenching or grinding. Thus, managing stress with techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing can help prevent these behaviors, decreasing strain on the jaw.
Professional Holistic Interventions
At Kelley Mingus, we embrace a comprehensive approach to TMJ treatment. Our team of experts provides personalized care that extends beyond standard dental procedures.
Orthodontics and General Dentistry
As trained professionals in fields like Orthodontics, Neuromuscular Dentistry, and General Dentistry, we understand the correlation between a misaligned bite and TMJ disorder. We can assess your case individually and provide you with options including braces, clear aligners, or dental restorations to correct your bite and relieve your symptoms.
Neuromuscular Dentistry
With an advanced understanding of the intricate relationship between jaw joints, facial muscles, and teeth, Dr. Kelley Mingus is qualified to study your specific case. Neuromuscular dentistry provides a better understanding of your oral system functioning, which can further aid in treating TMJ disorder.
Sleep Apnea Treatment
In certain cases, TMJ disorder may result from a limited airway or sleep apnea. With professional Sleep Apnea Treatment, we can help identify these issues and devise a suitable treatment plan to ensure you breathe comfortably while you sleep, reducing the risk of further complications from TMJ disorder.
The Road to Recovery
As experts in fields like Epigenetic Orthodontics, Smile Makeover, Porcelain Veneers, and Metal-Free Restorations, we aim to foster an environment where patients are free from pain and discomfort. We are committed to providing a wide range of services. Nevertheless, understand that recovery takes time and patience. Each body is unique, and hence, each responds differently to treatment.
Let us help you discover a comprehensive, natural approach to TMJ treatment and provide some much-needed jaw pain relief. Our team at Kelley Mingus in Bend, Oregon, is ready to use our expertise to make your journey towards recovery as comfortable as possible.