Do you find your jaw making a popping noise when you open or close your mouth? Does your jaw feel sore, stiff, or locked up? Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, known as TMJ, is a condition that affects the jaw and the muscles around it. TMJ can cause a range of symptoms including facial tension, head pain, difficulty eating, tinnitus, and even neck pain. If you’re dealing with a popping jaw from TMJ, Dr. Kelley Mingus in Bend can help.
What is TMJ?
TMJ is a condition that affects the temporomandibular joint – the joint that connects your jaw to your skull. The condition occurs when the joint does not work as it should. TMJ can be caused by several factors such as stress, misalignment of the jaw, arthritis, jaw injury, teeth grinding, or chewing gum excessively. Because TMJ affects the muscles and ligaments in the face, it can lead to a wide range of symptoms.
Symptoms of TMJ
Symptoms of TMJ can vary greatly from person to person. Some people may experience mild symptoms, while others may suffer from severe, chronic symptoms. Common symptoms associated with TMJ include:
- Popping, grinding, or clicking noise when opening and closing the mouth
- Facial pain
- Jaw joint pain
- Lockjaw or difficulty opening or closing the mouth
- Pain and stiffness in the neck and shoulder muscles
- Chronic head pain and headaches
- Ear pain and/or tinnitus
- Dizziness and vertigo
Relief From TMJ with Dr. Kelley Mingus
If you are dealing with the symptoms of TMJ, relief is possible. Dr. Kelley Mingus of Mingus Orthodontics in Bend offers a range of treatments to help patients find relief. Treatment for TMJ often involves a combination of therapy, lifestyle changes, and dental treatments.
Orthodontic Treatments for TMJ
Orthodontic treatments can help to alleviate the symptoms of TMJ by correcting the bite and relieving the pressure on the jaw joint. Dr. Kelley Mingus uses a variety of orthodontic treatments to help patients find relief. From braces to Invisalign, Dr. Mingus offers a range of options to fit every patient’s needs and lifestyle.
Custom Bite Guards for TMJ
Custom made bite guards can be worn to help relieve tension in the jaw muscles and alleviate the symptoms of TMJ. Bite guards also protect the teeth from the damage caused by teeth grinding. Dr. Kelley Mingus offers custom made bite guards in Bend.
Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle changes can also help to relieve the symptoms of TMJ. Dr. Kelley Mingus offers patient education and guidance on necessary lifestyle changes such as stress management, jaw exercises, and other techniques to relieve tension in the jaw muscles.
Physical Therapy for TMJ
Physical therapy can be highly effective at relieving symptoms of TMJ. Dr. Kelley Mingus offers patients in the Bend area access to physical therapy to help strengthen and relax jaw muscles. Studies have shown that physical therapy can be a very effective treatment for TMJ.
Treating TMJ with Dr. Kelley Mingus in Bend
If you are dealing with the symptoms of TMJ, Dr. Kelley Mingus of Mingus Orthodontics in Bend can help. Dr. Mingus offers a range of treatments including orthodontics, custom bite guards, lifestyle changes guidance, and physical therapy to help patients find relief. Reach out to Dr. Kelley Mingus today to learn more about treatment options for TMJ.
