There’s a surprising link between TMJ, or temporomandibular joint disorder, and your throat health. TMJ disorder, when untreated, can have an adverse impact on the throat due to the proximity of the jaw joints to the throat. Dr. Kelley Mingus, with a wealth of experience in treating TMJ disorder, believes the condition often has wider implications than patients initially consider.
The Basics of TMJ Disorder
TMJ disorder affects the movements of the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. This condition can result from various factors like teeth grinding, stress, arthritis, or jaw joint injury—all of which are effectively addressed at Kelley Mingus’s clinic. Symptoms may range from mild discomfort to severe pain, restricted jaw movement, and noticeable facial asymmetry.
From TMJ Disorder to Throat Health Issues
The effects of TMJ disorder often extend beyond jaw discomfort and pain. Due to the jaw’s close anatomical relation to the throat, many patients also experience throat-related symptoms. The muscles and nerves that course through the jaw also service the throat, and hence, any TMJ dysfunction can cause undue strain on the throat, inducing symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, a sensation of a lump in the throat, voice hoarseness, and even sleep apnea.
TMJ Disorder and Its Influence on Throat Health
Understanding how TMJ disorder influences throat health aids in realizing why timely treatment, such as that provided by Kelley Mingus’s team, is vital. Here are some commonly reported throat-related issues associated with TMJ disorder:
Difficulty Swallowing or Dysphagia
Patients often report this sensation as ‘feeling a lump’ or ‘tightness’ in their throats. Though culturally associated with nervousness or anxiety, this symptom often goes hand-in-hand with TMJ disorder.
Hoarse Voice
Prolonged muscular tension can account for a hoarse voice. A misaligned jaw joint places strain on the surrounding muscles, which in turn leads to vocal cord gripping, resulting in voice hoarseness.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Several TMJ disorder patients report struggling with obstructive sleep apnea—improper nighttime breathing marked by repeated cessations in breath during sleep. This condition can arise from a mismatched or misaligned bite, often observed in TMJ disorder.
Treating TMJ to Improve Throat Health
Dr. Kelley Mingus, with his expertise in neuromuscular dentistry, recognizes the impact of TMJ disorder on throat health. Kelley Mingus’s meticulously designed treatment plans are aimed at alleviating the cumbersome TMJ symptoms and, consequently, improving throat health.
TMJ Therapy: A Patient-Centered Approach at the Office of Kelley Mingus
TMJ therapy at Kelley Mingus aids in effectively managing the disorder and restoring normal jaw function, thereby helping to mitigate any collateral impact on throat health. The comprehensive evaluation includes jaw tracking, muscle examinations, and bite analysis, all integral parts of TMJ treatment.
Secure your throat health today. Contact Kelley Mingus for TMJ-related queries or to schedule your assessment.