Dr. Kelley Mingus, a highly respected member of Bend, Oregon’s dentistry community, is dedicated to exploring the link between TMJ disorders and throat discomfort. At his practice, taking a comprehensive approach and instituting targeted TMJ treatments are standard procedures to handle patients’ TMJ and throat discomfort.
Understanding TMJ Disorders
Before we delve into the connection between TMJ and throat discomfort, let’s first understand what a TMJ disorder is. TMJ, or temporomandibular joint disorder, affects the jaw joint and the surrounding muscles. Symptoms of TMJ can range from mild to severe – it can cause great discomfort, pain, and limited jaw movement. TMJ disorder can occur due to various factors including teeth grinding, jaw misalignment, stress, arthritis, or jaw joint injury.
The Treatments Available
At Kelley Mingus’s practice, advanced TMJ therapy and a patient-centered approach are employed to improve patients’ lives by offering an end to persistent TMJ discomfort. This involves the incorporation of the latest clinical tools and knowledgeable staff that constantly updates with continuous service evolving to meet patients’ needs.
The Link between TMJ and Throat Discomfort
Many people suffering from TMJ disorders also report regular throat discomfort. This is not surprising, given the interconnected nature of our facial and neck muscles. When the jaw is misaligned, as is the case with many TMJ disorders, the muscles around it may strain to compensate for the imbalance, leading to throat discomfort.
Recognizing the Symptoms
- Pain, which can be felt in the jaw joint area, neck, and shoulders
- Problems when you try to open your mouth wide
- Jaws that get stuck or lock in the open or closed mouth position
- Clicking or popping sounds in the jaw joint when you open or close your mouth or chew
- Tired feeling in your face
What to Do If You’re Experiencing TMJ Disorders and Throat Discomfort
If you are experiencing TMJ disorders and throat discomfort, the first thing you need to do is schedule an appointment with a TMJ specialist. Dr. Kelley Mingus can provide a comprehensive evaluation that includes digital x-rays, jaw tracking, muscle examination, and bite analysis that can identify the underlying TMJ-related issue causing your throat discomfort.
How Does Kelley Mingus Treat TMJ Disorders?
At his practice, a number of effective treatment options are available depending on the severity of your condition. In most cases, treatment involves cognitive behavioral therapy to minimize teeth grinding, physical therapy to alleviate the stress in your jaw and throat muscles, oral splints or mouth guards, and medication for pain relief.
Final Note
Living with TMJ disorders and chronic throat discomfort can drastically affect your quality of life. Providers like Dr. Kelley Mingus make it possible for patients to experience relief from these conditions, by utilizing targeted treatments and a dedicated patient-first approach, thus restoring your quality of life.