If you thought pregnancy was all about glowing skin and craving ice cream at midnight, think again! For many women, it also brings less talked-about joys, like temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD). Yes, as if morning sickness and swollen feet weren’t enough, now your jaw wants in on the pregnancy action too! But don’t worry, we’ve got some safe and effective ways to help you and your jaw get along better during these precious months.
Understanding TMJD During Pregnancy
TMJD involves pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and muscles that control jaw movement. It’s like your jaw is throwing a tantrum, causing pain, stiffness, and sometimes even locking. During pregnancy, the body releases hormones that relax ligaments and muscles, which might sound great for childbirth, but it’s not so great for your jaw stability.
Symptoms to Watch For
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Difficulty chewing or discomfort while chewing
- A clicking or locking jaw
- Pain in and around your ear
If any of these feel all too familiar, welcome to the TMJD club!
Safe Ways to Relieve TMJD Symptoms During Pregnancy
1.) Gentle Jaw Exercises
Gently stretch your jaw to improve mobility and reduce stiffness. Open your mouth wide, then slowly close it. Repeat a few times while keeping it as a yawning contest with yourself—just less on the dramatics.
2.) Warm Compresses
Applying a warm compress can soothe those cranky jaw muscles. It’s like a spa day for your jaw—only more therapeutic and less expensive.
3.) Soft Diet
Stick to a soft diet to give your jaw a break. Smoothies, soups, and mashed potatoes can be your best friends. Think of it as culinary baby-proofing for your jaw.
4.) Stress Management
Stress can tighten your facial muscles, worsening TMJD symptoms. Try prenatal yoga or meditation. Not only will your jaw thank you, but your whole body will feel more relaxed.
5.) Avoid Extreme Jaw Movements
Yawning too wide or chewing gum can aggravate TMJD. It’s the perfect excuse to avoid sharing your snacks—sorry, it’s doctor’s orders!
Post-Pregnancy TMJD Treatment with Dr. Kelley Mingus
After welcoming your new baby and adjusting to your new routine, it might be time to focus again on your well-being, especially if you’re still experiencing TMJD symptoms. Dr. Kelley Mingus offers a range of tailored treatments to address the specific needs of TMJD.
Comprehensive Orthodontic Treatment
For those whose TMJD is exacerbated by misalignment issues, Dr. Mingus provides orthodontic solutions designed to correct the bite and improve jaw function. This can include traditional braces or clear aligners, depending on your specific needs and aesthetic preferences. Proper alignment not only enhances your smile but can also significantly reduce TMJD symptoms by balancing the forces within your jaw.
Custom Mouthguards and Advanced Orthotic Devices
Dr. Mingus can customize a mouthguard to help realign your jaw and prevent teeth grinding at night—because the only nighttime activity you should be worrying about is the baby.
For more severe TMJD cases, Dr. Mingus often recommends custom-made occlusal splints or oral appliances for TMJD relief. These devices are tailored to fit your mouth perfectly, helping to relieve muscle tension and reposition the jaw to a more natural alignment. This intervention can lessen the stress on your jaw joint and muscles, providing relief from pain and improving your jaw’s overall functionality. It’s not exactly a fashion statement, but it’s a relief statement for sure!
Precision Bite Adjustments
If your TMJD symptoms stem from an improper bite, bite adjustments may be necessary. Dr. Mingus utilizes precise diagnostic tools to analyze your bite and identify high-pressure points. By making careful adjustments to the surfaces of your teeth, he can ensure your jaw aligns properly, thereby reducing the strain and discomfort associated with TMJD.
Physical Therapy Approaches
Physical therapy is another cornerstone of Dr. Mingus’s approach to TMJD treatment. He collaborates with specialists to design a regimen that includes exercises and techniques to strengthen jaw muscles, enhance range of motion, and alleviate pain. These exercises are easy to incorporate into your daily routine and can be instrumental in managing and mitigating TMJD symptoms over time.
Stress Management Techniques
Understanding that the stresses of new motherhood can exacerbate TMJD symptoms, Dr. Mingus also focuses on stress management strategies. His team provides guidance on techniques such as meditation, breathing exercises, and other relaxation methods to help manage the stress that might be contributing to your TMJD. By reducing stress, you can help alleviate the tension in your jaw, leading to a more comfortable and pain-free experience.
Follow-Up Care
Regular follow-ups with Dr. Mingus ensure your TMJD is under control and your treatment is adjusted as needed. Consider him your jaw’s best friend.
Navigating pregnancy with TMJD is no walk in the park, but with these tips and Dr. Mingus’s expertise, you can manage the symptoms and focus on the joy of expecting. Remember, it’s only temporary, and soon you’ll be holding your little one, with TMJD hopefully being a distant memory!
Ready to take control of your TMJD? Contact Dr. Kelley Mingus today, and let’s give you one less thing to worry about during your pregnancy journey!