Do you suffer from ear pain? Are you looking for a solution? Do you live in Bend, Oregon? If so, then look no further than Dr. Kelley Mingus. He is an expert in treating ear pain caused by Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) dysfunction.
“Ear pain is a common symptom of TMJ,” says Dr. Mingus. “Many people don’t realize that. They think it’s solely related to the ears or sinuses, but it is, in fact, often related to TMJ.” TMJ is the jaw joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull. When TMJ dysfunction occurs, it can create a variety of symptoms, including ear pain.
<brWhat is TMJ dysfunction?
<brIn the vast majority of cases, when TMJ dysfunction occurs, it is due to wear and tear on the joint over time. This can be due to stress, bad posture, gum chewing, teeth grinding, clenching the jaw, and numerous other factors. When these factors cause damage to the joint, it leads to inflammation and localized pain.
<brWhat are the symptoms of TMJ dysfunction?
<brIn addition to ear pain, TMJ can cause a variety of other symptoms. This may include pain in the jaw, teeth, face, and neck. It can also lead to head, back, and shoulder pain. In some cases, it can also lead to clicking, popping, or grating noises in the jaw joint. If TMJ becomes chronic, it can also cause the muscles of the jaw to weaken or stiffen, leading to an inability to open or close the mouth fully.
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How does Dr. Kelley Mingus in Bend treat ear pain due to TMJ Dysfunction?
<brThere are several possible ways that Dr. Mingus may treat ear pain due to TMJ dysfunction. Perhaps the most common treatment is to use a mouth guard, also known as a splint. These devices are custom made for each patient and are designed to help realign the TMJ and reduce inflammation. In some cases, they can also provide relief from other symptoms, such as jaw pain and clicking or popping noises.
<brIn other cases, Dr. Mingus may recommend other self-care measures to help alleviate symptoms. This may include advice on how to improve posture, avoid triggers such as chewing gum or eating hard or chewy foods, and how to manage stress. Dr. Mingus may also recommend physical therapy treatments, such as strengthening exercises and stretching to help alleviate symptoms.
<brIn severe cases, Dr. Mingus may recommend stronger treatments, such as muscle relaxants or anti-inflammatory medication. For patients with chronic ear pain caused by TMJ dysfunction, Dr. Mingus may also recommend surgery. This may be necessary in order to repair damage to the joint, or to correct jaw misalignment.
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What is the best way to prevent or manage TMJ Dysfunction?
<brPreventative measures are the best way to prevent or manage TMJ dysfunction. Dr. Mingus recommends seeing a dentist regularly in order to make sure that your teeth and bite are aligned properly. Good oral hygiene plays a role in preventing TMJ. Dr. Mingus also recommends avoiding foods that are hard to chew and can create wear and tear on the joint, such as hard candy, nuts, or popcorn.
<brDr. Mingus also suggests wearing a mouth guard if you grind your teeth at night, as this can help prevent injury to the joint. It is also important to take stress management measures in order to prevent TMJ dysfunction. At the same time, it is important to take care of your posture, as poor posture can put extra strain on the muscles and lead to TMJ dysfunction and pain.
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Contact Dr. Kelley Mingus today!
<brIf you are suffering from ear pain and think it may be related to TMJ dysfunction, then don't wait. Contact Dr. Kelley Mingus today. He is an expert in treating TMJ and can help you find relief from your pain. Dr. Mingus is located in Bend, Oregon and is accepting new patients. Call him today to schedule an appointment and start finding relief from your ear pain.
