Joshua Hong, DDS Blog

What’s the Connection between Seniors’ Oral and Mental Health?

September 20, 2016

Filed under: Blog,Oral Health — tntadmin @ 10:46 am

One of the most devastating effects of aging is the decline in cognitive function that affects our elders in their later years. Some recent research points to declining oral health for elders as a factor affecting their mental health. In the US, the senior population is growing every day, and over a third of over-70 elders suffer from some form of mental impairment!

Senior Mental Health and Oral Health: What the Research Says

In a number of oral and cognitive health studies published from 1993-2013, some findings suggest a link between indicators of poor oral health and mental decline. A few studies show that elders with tooth loss, cavities and gum disease were more likely to be at risk of dementia and other mental health problems.

Other studies didn’t find a link, or differed on the number of cavities or missing teeth in our elders with mental health issues. On the whole, however, most of the studies found a greater prevalence of oral health issues in seniors with impaired cognition, especially dementia.

Even if research has not yet proved a direct causal link between the two, there is enough of a connection to raise concern about senior mental health and their oral hygiene.

How Is Senior Mental Health Affected By Poor Oral Hygiene?

Here are some of the possible factors that may link poor oral health and cognitive decline:

  • According to a North Shore University Hospital dentist named Dr. Jacqueline Sobota, there may be a shared inflammatory pathway for both cognitive impairment and poor oral health for seniors.
  • As per a Lenox Hill Hospital memory loss specialist and neurologist, Dr. Gayatri Devi, dementia may also cause apraxia, where patients forget a task they’ve learned previously, like brushing their teeth.
  • Patients with cognitive problems might also forget to brush or floss their teeth, even without apraxia. This could be a contributing factor affecting their dental health, according to Dr. Devi.

Maintaining Oral Health is Critical for Seniors

Dr. Gayatri Devi also added that seniors in the early stages of dementia typically continue to take care of their oral hygiene with the same attention they gave these tasks before their cognitive abilities were impaired. However, senior caregivers and healthcare providers need to pay special attention to their patients’ dental health.

Good oral hygiene is especially crucial for seniors, since dental problems are also associated with other conditions like diabetes, stroke, heart disease, pneumonia, etc. Brushing, flossing, eating healthy and visiting a dentist regularly can help keep a wide range of other problems at bay.

To learn more about dental health and tooth restorative solutions for seniors, call 623-925-8822 for a complimentary consultation at Joshua Hong DDS today!

TMJ Pain Treatment: What to Eat, What Not to Eat

September 8, 2016

Filed under: Blog,TMJ Treatment — tntadmin @ 1:09 pm

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) is a very painful experience which makes eating or chewing food a mammoth task. There are numerous ways to treat TMJ pain. One of them is following a proper diet. Let us take a look at some of the foods that help reduce TMJ pain.

    • FluidsFresh fruit juices, vegetable or chicken soup, broth, milk etc. should be consumed during TMJ. The jaw needs to be given sufficient rest to recover. A wholesome liquid diet will not only help in that but will also provide necessary nutrition to keep you going.
    • Soft FoodsHaving soft foods for TMJ is a very good idea. No or negligible chewing is required to make sure your TMJ gets enough rest. Heavy chewing of the usual foods like meat, raw vegetables, chips, etc. will worsen TMJ. Eat soft foods like porridge, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, yogurt, milkshakes, smoothies etc.
    • Anti-Inflammatory FoodTo beat TMJ pain, add a good number of anti-inflammatory foods into your diet plan. Omega3 fatty acids have antioxidant properties and foods that are rich with them include cold water fish like salmon and mackerel. Consuming these fish helps reduce the inflammation of TMJ. Berries, broccoli and pepper are also good as anti-inflammatory foods. Also, add garlic and onion in your daily cooking and salads.
    • Foods Rich in MagnesiumMagnesium is very efficient in relaxing the nervous system and this serves well for those suffering from TMJ. Magnesium rich foods like nuts, lentils, dark leafy greens, beans, dried fruits, avocados, low-fat dairy products etc. can help relax the jaw muscles.
    • Foods Rich in CalciumResearches have indicated that calcium helps in reducing TMJ, just like magnesium. Unpolished rice,raw milk, spinach, green peas, cabbage, sesame, oranges, banana, wheat flour with husk, coconut, almond, groundnut etc. are great sources of calcium.
    • Other Nutritional SupplementsVitamin B is known to lower down stress levels which, in turn, can lower down TMJ pain. Its deficiency can be overcome by taking Vitamin B-Complex tablets/capsules for a few days as prescribed. Another important mineral for TMJ pain is glucosamine sulfate. It is known to repair cartilages and give relief from stiffness, swelling and pain in joint-related disorders like TMJ, osteoarthritis etc. However, it should only be consumed under experienced medical guidance as there are good chances of side effects. Raw parsley, Ginko Biloba and spinach are great sources of glucosamine.

What not to Eat while Experiencinging TMJ Pain

    • Crunchy FoodsWhen you have TMJ, avoid eating crunchy foods like chips, popcorn etc. Avoid hard rolls and hard vegetables like crisp celery and carrots as intensity pressure is required to chew them. It is important to include fruits and vegetables in the diet as the flavonoid in them can work as a natural anti-inflammatory substance.
    • Chewy FoodsChewy foods like caramel, chewing gum, tough pieces of meat, taffy, escargot etc. involve heavy and constant motion of the jaw which can elevate TMJ pain. Go for softer food like yogurt, bananas, fish, poultry and mashed potatoes to avoid any more damage.
    • Fatty FoodsStudies have shown that the fat content in some foods may cause increased inflammation in your body. Avoid red meat, pastries, fried foods and cream sauces to ease the pain caused by TMJ. Choose low-fat milk, chicken, pork, low-fat cheese, yogurt, fish etc. over any fatty foods.
    • Large Pieces of FoodTMJ is painful and in some cases it becomes very difficult to open the mouth more than a couple of inches. Biting on a huge chunk of food, especially while eating thick sandwiches, large portions of fruit or big pieces of any other food can overwork your jaw. The best solution is to nibble on smaller pieces.

Have you changed your diet but still experiencing pain? Do not wait for the worse and contact Joshua Hong DDS on 623.925.8822 today.

Uneven teeth? Here are you options for Teeth Straightening

August 23, 2016

Filed under: Blog,Cosmetic Dentistry — tntadmin @ 7:01 am

o you wish that your smile could have been better? Don’t despair. Technology advancements have made certain parameters controllable for man; one of which is teeth straightening. Many people feel about a slight regret regarding their smiles. They avoid getting clicked, talk less and even drop plans of going out with friends frequently. They get conscious and this brings down their confidence and morale.

Conventional Methods = Uncomfortable Feelings

Some bad memories are probably associated with traditional methods of orthodontic treatments and teeth straightening in our mind. Remember how the food got stuck in the metallic braces (which were equally embarrassing to flash) or that inevitable lisp from wearing a retainer?

Fixed Braces

Braces are small metallic brackets that are put over the uneven teeth surface and bound with wire to hold them together. In spite of looking ugly and causing inconvenience while eating, talking and smiling, braces are still the most popular method used for crowded and crooked teeth.

Removable Braces

These dental braces come in plastic or bio-friendly acrylic and are used for teeth with less crowding. They have springs and wire clasps that are used to keep the braces attached to the teeth. These braces are used when the teeth problem is not so severe.

Headgear

These are complex devices, made up of thick metallic wires and run from outside the mouth onto the inside. In this method, teeth are supported by cups or straps that run under the chin or behind the neck. Headgears are usually worn for around 12 hours daily, for a few day or weeks, as the requirement of the treatment. In today’s time, these devices are hardly used due to advancement in orthodontal treatment.

Retainers

They are similar to removable braces and are widely used after treatment using fixed braces. They are worn for a few months and prevent teeth from moving back to the original abnormal position.

Medical science has progressed a lot. A few new and improved methods for orthodontic treatment have been introduced. Let us see some newer ways to straighten teeth.

Fixed Clear Braces

These braces are gaining popularity due to their transparency. They work similarly to metallic braces but are made from a strong ceramic material with high transparency. These braces tend to adopt the color of the teeth, concealing themselves. Due to these features, they do not ruin the facial features like the traditional metal braces and are widely preferred.

Invisalign

The best feature of these devices is that they are made of clear plastic material and are barely visible. Due to technological advancements, an option of custom-made aligners is available and preferred by many. These braces are meant to be worn from anywhere between 9 to 15 months and are designed to cause negligible irritation or disruption in your usual life.

Make no mistake that a great smile is a great confidence-builder. You feel good and perform well. People take notice of you, listen to you and appreciate the positivity in your overall attitude. Timely visit your dentist and, if required, go for one of the above-mentioned oral treatments. It will prove to be a very fruitful investment.

Uneven Tooth Color after Bleaching? Here’s What You Need to Do

August 8, 2016

Filed under: Blog,Cosmetic Dentistry — tntadmin @ 10:52 am

Tooth bleaching is a popular method for whitening discolored teeth, and it can be done at home or by a dentist. It’s quite common for teeth to appear unevenly colored after the procedure. However, you need to take some steps if there is an extensive difference in color, or your teeth become more heavily stained over time.

Here are a few of reasons for uneven tooth color, and what you can do to tackle the problem:

  • Often, the edges of a tooth respond to bleaching quicker than internal areas, since the bleach penetrates the enamel faster. The center of a tooth has a thicker layer of enamel than the edges, so internal tooth bleaching can take longer to show results.
  • Some teeth may appear whiter than the rest, since each tooth responds differently to bleaching. The structure and composition of teeth affects the outcome of tooth bleaching, for instance, teeth with less calcium will get bleached a lot more quickly.
  • If you are prone to extreme sensitivity in your teeth, get them professionally bleached by a dentist. This is especially important for internal tooth bleaching, since you need to keep the bleaching solution against your teeth for longer.
  • Ask your dentist about teeth whitening solutions if you have had any restorative dentistry. Dental veneers, fillings, crowns and caps will not respond to bleaching, so they can appear discolored against your natural teeth when you bleach them.
  • In most cases, the color will become more even over time. This typically takes anywhere from 3-10 days. Once your teeth have reached the whiteness level you want, stop bleaching them for a few days.

Extra Precautions to Prevent Uneven Tooth Color

  • After tooth bleaching, you may need to take some extra precautions to prevent them from getting stained. Bleaching makes the surface of your teeth more porous, so they can get discolored easily if you consume coffee, red wine, cigarettes, etc.
  • If you do eat or drink anything that can stain your teeth, try to avoid letting it come into contact with the tooth surface as much as possible. For instance, you can use a straw to drink coffee, and swish clean water around your mouth right after.
  • If you’re bleaching your teeth at home, ask your dentist for a custom-fitted tray that allows the solution to properly coat every tooth. Avoid whitening strips, since they cannot cover the whole tooth and will cause splotchy results.
  • Visit a dentist and follow their instructions before, during and after tooth bleaching. Continue with the procedure if your teeth are unevenly colored, to allow less responsive teeth and internal areas to reach the same whiteness as the rest.
  • Bleaching is not a permanent solution for whiter teeth, since diet and lifestyle factors can cause your teeth to become discolored after a while. Make sure to bleach your pearly whites twice a year to help them retain their whiteness for longer!

Arthritis and its Effect on your Oral Health

July 27, 2016

Filed under: Blog,Oral Health — tntadmin @ 11:15 am

Haven’t we all heard about arthritis (or rheumatoid arthritis)? The most common symptom is pain in the joints and it also affects cardiovascular system, connective tissues and internal organs. Many a times crepitus is experienced where the joints, while functioning, brush against each other and make rubbing sounds. But did you know that arthritis can also affect your oral health? Yes, an arthritis patient can suffer from various oral problems like temporomandibular joint (TMJ) infection, xerostomia (dry mouth), periodontal disease (periodontics and gingivitis) and mouth ulcers.

How does Rheumatoid Arthritis Adversely Affect your Oral Health?

As arthritis directly attacks joints, TMJ disease is induced. Due to this, stiffness while opening or closing the mouth, deformation of the joint or swelling are seen. As per researches, around 10-15% of the people with rheumatoid arthritis tend to develop Sjogren’s Syndrome (dry mouth due to inflammation). Dry mouth accelerates dental decay as well as causing thrush and gingivitis.
Arthritis commonly attacks the hands and legs. One of the indirect effects is the decrease in the frequency of important oral hygiene methods like brushing and flossing teeth due to the restricted movement of hands. When it is left untreated for prolonged periods of time, periodontal disease (receding gum-line, bleeding gums, tooth loosening, deepening of tooth pockets, tooth loss etc.) may occur.
Some patients may have to take the prescribed medicine for arthritis, methotrexate. Depending on the dose, such patients may develop mucositis viz. inflammation of mucous membrane, which may lead to mouth ulcers. The negative effects of methotrexate are also increased by the usage of nitrous oxide, a commonly used inhalable sedative.

How can you Prevent it?

The first, and eventually the most important, thing that you can do is to go to a good dentist who is updated on current medications and operations.. Knowledge about current medications will significantly help in planning any oral surgery. As a general recommendation, arthritis patients should go for dental consultation in the late mornings or early afternoons, as the condition is much better compared to other times. Do not forget to inform the dentist about any previous joint-replacement surgery you might have gone through as prosthetic joints are a lot more prone to infection, especially when they have been newly placed. It is highly recommended to avoid any invasive oral treatment within the first six months of the joint-replacement surgery.
Other simple improvements in daily measures will also help in avoiding oral complications. Using an electric toothbrush is a good idea as less movement of the hands and wrists is required while brushing. Use a softer brush and replace it every three months. Rinse your mouth with a good anti-microbial mouthwash after every meal to avoid rigorous brushing. Flossing is very important as it helps in removing food particles and plaque where normal brushing may not reach. Invest in flossettes as well as floss holders which help in the execution of flossing. Lastly, eat healthy and oral-friendly food.

TMJ and Teenagers: The Various Treatment Options

July 14, 2016

Filed under: Blog,TMJ Treatment — tntadmin @ 11:21 am

Although temporomandibular joint pain is common among adults aged 25 years and older, it is bound to develop sooner especially amongst teenagers. A majority of the cases develop during childhood due to injuries as well as constant breathing through the mouth which is associated with allergies. Thus, most teenagers live with TMJ as it remains undiagnosed, disrupting their lives without them realizing it. For this reason, it is advisable that TMJ evaluations be conducted regularly in order to detect the problem early on before it becomes obtrusive.

What Causes Temporomandibular Disorders in Teenagers?

A number of factors are responsible for the development of TMJ disorders in teenagers. They include the following:

  • Adding or removing braces – In most cases, braces are given between the age of 12 and 16 years, a time when the mouth is still developing.They are able to correct any existing alignment issues. Consequently, orthodontic work tends to change your bite while the re-alignment of your teeth continues. The change in the bite may result in TMJ. Unconscious clenching of teeth, following an orthodontic visit, especially when the teeth are sore can also result in a TMJ. You are advised to pay attention to your jaw joint during your orthodontic work to be able to identify any problems that may arise.
  • Childhood mouth breathing – This is common if you suffer from allergies that make it impossible for you to breath using your nose, so you end up breathing through your mouth for long periods. Breathing through the mouth constantly when the jaw is yet to fully develop can result in the formation of a bad bite.
  • Tooth grinding – This is another cause of TMD in teenagers that is triggered by exposure to stressors like exams, school projects as well as extracurricular activities. In fact, teens who are faced by projects and exams at the end of the year are more likely to experience TMJ pain compared to other times. Frequent grinding of teeth can cause the temporomandibular joint to be fatigued in addition to the development of a bad bite.
  • Injuries suffered during sports are also likely to result in the development of TMJ in teens. That is, whether they are participating in cheerleading or contact sports, such as football players are always faced at the risk of developing TMJ.

Factors that Contribute to TMJ

Certain factors are known to trigger the development of TMJ. One such factor is impact injury especially if it directly affects your chin owing to the many tumbles and falls you may experience. Various dental conditions that affect the alignment of your teeth like extended overjet, open bite, missing back teeth and cross bite are linked with the development of TMDs.

There are also habits that contribute to the occurrence of TMD like tooth clenching, grinding (bruxing), hypertension as well as other habitual behaviors that are repetitive. Certain resting and postural positions may also contribute to the occurrence of TMJ.

Signs and Symptoms

Many signs and symptoms characterize TMD. However, it is difficult to tell if you are suffering from TMD because these signs are also present in other problems. Thus, you can trust your dentist to help you make the right diagnosis. Some common symptoms of TMJ include:

  • Headaches that mimic migraines, earaches as well as pressure and pain behind the eyes
  • Pain in the jaw, ear area, or face
  • The presence of a popping or clicking sound when you open or close the mouth
  • Tenderness of the muscles of the jaw
  • A swollen face
  • A jaw that gets locked/stuck or gets out of place

Treatment Options for TMJ

With the right diagnosis, TMJ can be treated. In most cases, non-surgical TMJ treatment is recommended to offer TMJ pain relief. If you are experiencing nighttime tooth grinding, bite splints (also known as neuromuscular orthotics) may be created to not only protect your teeth but also realign your jaw while you sleep. Minor changes may also be made to your teeth to change your bite. Other TMJ treatment options may be recommended depending on the nature of your disorder. These include TMJ exercises that target specific pain.

Generally, you are advised to embrace regular dental care at a dental clinic that practices neuromuscular dentistry, which includes TMJ evaluations to be able to detect TMJ at the earliest opportunity before it advances.

Image source: deloiz.com

A Complete Guide to Splint Therapy

May 19, 2016

Filed under: Blog,TMJ Treatment — tntadmin @ 11:06 am

The temporomandibular joint, or the ‘jaw point’, is a hinge that connects your jaw to your temporal skull bones.  It assists in the opening and closing of your jaw, and plays an important role in letting you speak, chew, smile and yawn.

Because of the frequent and constant use of the jaw point, it is a common target for recurring pain and the jaw pain associated with it is called TMJ pain.

What is TMJ Dysfunction?

TMJ dysfunction is an umbrella term covering a large number of painful jaw ailments like: pain in the jaw joint, jaw clicking and popping, ear pain, popping sounds in ears, throbbing headaches, sore jaw muscles and locking of the jaw joint.

Before treating a TMJ dysfunction, it is important to diagnose it properly to pinpoint the exact underlying problem.

Diagnosis

You might have to take a radiograph of your jaw point, which will show a detailed picture of your TMJ anatomy and pinpoint any visible anomalies. Your dentist might also recommend you to wear jaw repositioners (splint appliance), which is an appliance that helps eliminate bite pain. Once the appliance is refined in a way that it has eliminated your bite pain, a long-term treatment is prescribed to duplicate the effects of the appliance.

The Splint Appliance

The jaw repositioners that we were talking about are also used to remedy bite disharmony and the resulting pain. This is done by positioning the splint in a way that it adjusts the jaw point in a stable position.

These jaw repostioners or splints as they are called, are used to eliminate jaw point pain with a procedure called occlusal splint therapy, where the repositioner is adjusted in tandem with the jaw point to alleviate pain. There are many types of splints used in this therapy:

Stabilization splints

These are used to prevent or alleviate the wearer from clenching and bruxism (involuntary habitual grinding of the teeth). These can be made out of hard materials or soft (more flexible) materials and mostly have to be worn at night.

Repositioning splints:

Repositioning splints are to be worn 24*7 and are used to pull the lower jaw forward. Here are some specific splints:

  • MORA (mandibular repositioning appliance)
  • Anterior bite planes
  • Anterior repositioning splint

These splints help the wearer lessen jaw pain because they allow the muscles & ligaments to relax by taking a firm grip on the jaw. This helps in getting rid of the tension that bruxism and teeth clenching causes.

Also the splints help protect the patient’s teeth from wear and tear caused due to grinding.

The splints also help in correcting a patients’ bite (correcting the way the patient’s teeth fit together). An off bite may not be right for the patients jaw points and can lead to extreme pain.

Most of the times, splint therapy works perfectly. Other times the splint might worsen the pain. In these rare cases, there are many alternatives:

  • Physical Therapy
  • Trigger Point Injections
  • Massage Therapy
  • Lastly: Surgery

TMJ can make your life very uncomfortable. There is a way you can avoid cringing in pain every few minutes and start smiling instead. Contact Dr. Joshua Hong at Joshua Hong DDS to help you keep smiling.

Do Wisdom Teeth Really Unlock Wisdom When Removed?

May 4, 2016

Filed under: Blog,Oral Surgery and Tooth Removal — tntadmin @ 1:49 pm

So is it really wise to have your wisdom teeth removed? This rather sensitive and painful procedure has become a controversial point over the last few years for many people who have benefited from this simple extraction and the equally many who have suffered terribly because of it.

Does Loss of Wisdom Teeth lead to TMJ?

Many people who still have their wisdom teeth safely attached, write off “Wisdom Teeth Extraction” by naively stating that it protects periodontal health and reduces cavity risks simply because they are unaware of the pain and suffering that their friends and family face after the extraction of their wisdom teeth. This in effect leads to a lifetime of TMJ Jaw Pain which is not at all pleasant according to the many that suffer from it.

TMJ is caused by the rupturing and removal of many sensitive nerves and muscles in the mouth which leads to much larger periodontal pockets and has very little effect on the rate of cavities. This, in particular, leads to a loss of sensation in the lips which is bad for everyone especially foodies!!

Jaw Pains Caused by Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Jaw pain seems to increase by 34% in people who have had their wisdom teeth removed as compared to the 8.7% in the people who still have their wisdom teeth intact.

According to studies – TMJ is caused largely by the removal of wisdom teeth which can lead to TMJ Syndrome or TMJ Disease which are much more harmful and a lot more painful for those who have removed their wisdom teeth already. It can be particularly harmful to women between the ages of 18-44 as it increases the stress in the neck and face and ruins that lovely “Colgate smile”.

Is it still worth risking the Jaw Pain for the rest of your life?

If this article did not scare you into retaining your wisdom teeth and you`re adamant on removing your wisdom teeth, then these are the questions you should be asking your dentist:

  • How many teeth will you remove?
  • Will you use general or local anesthesia?
  • How long will the oral surgery take?
  • Is there a possibility of nerve damage?
  • How long will my recovery take?
  • Is it wise to proceed considering my physical disposition eg. poorly positioned teeth etc.
  • How will it affect me in the long run?

Extraction of Wisdom Teeth can cause TMJ in most cases according to the stats and should be taken very seriously. By now TMJ must be sounding like a very frightful and painful condition which can turn your perfect smile to a painful scowl but fear not as there are solutions and remedies to help those of you who have already had their wisdom teeth extracted.

These human invented remedies are known as TMJ Pain Treatment modules which are offered by Joshua Hong. These Pain Treatment Modules are used to combat the pain caused by TMJ, keeping in mind the pain and effects caused by TMJ. Many disgruntled and pain hindered patients have walked out of Joshua Hong’s doors smiling ear to ear and pain-free.

The Connection Between Jaw Pain And Wisdom Tooth Extraction

April 23, 2016

Filed under: Blog,TMJ Treatment — Tags: , — tntadmin @ 6:50 am

What are wisdom teeth?

The third or fourth molars, which are the posterior most teeth in the dental arch, are called the wisdom teeth.

If a wisdom tooth erupts clearly through the tissues without causing any discomfort in the adjacent tooth, and you are able to brush, floss and clean it properly, there is no need for an extraction. But if the tooth eruption through the tissue has caused inflammation and infection, there needs to be an extraction. An infected wisdom tooth can be extremely painful and cause jaw problems if the extraction is prolonged.

Also, it is true that wisdom tooth extractions are one of the most painful procedures for a patient to encounter. This pain increases when you have jaw problems like the Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome. The temporomandibular joint is the joint that connects your jaw to your skull. Injury or damage (due to several reasons like infection or accidents) can trigger localized pain and result in a painful condition called temporomandibular joint pain or TMJ pain for short.

When you are thinking of getting your wisdom tooth extracted, there are several complications. The most prevalent jaw complications are listed below:

Jaw Complications of Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Jaw pain is, of course, higher for people who are to have their wisdom tooth extracted, because of the tooth’s location near the jaw.

There also might be a symptom referred to as ‘jaw stiffness’ where there might be a little difficulty in opening your mouth and you may experience pain and stiffness in your jaw. If this is because of a wisdom tooth, the pain subsides in a couple of days after the extraction and the doctor generally prescribes painkillers like Ibuprofen to help relieve this pain.

The complications concerning your jaw during wisdom tooth extraction can make you ask the question, is there is a right time to remove your wisdom tooth? If you are afflicted with TMJ pain, here are a few important questions to ask your dentist:

  • In case of a TMJ problem, should the wisdom tooth be left in place until the problem subsides?
  • Should a local anesthetic be used or should general anesthesia be given to relax the patient if the patient feels that the jaw is being stressed?
  • Should an intravenous steroid be used to minimize joint inflammation, which leads to pain after the extraction and limits the jaw motion?
  • Are the wisdom teeth impacted in bone, are they fully or partially erupted, and if impacted, are they lying on their sides?
  • Do the overlying gums have inflammation? What is to be done about them?
  • Will the erupting wisdom tooth cause unwanted tooth movement after the surgery?

With the right dentist, a wisdom tooth extraction should be trouble free. Though many TMJ patients have reported that their problems with their temporomandibular jaw began shortly after the wisdom tooth extraction, it is important to note that studies do not show a correlation between wisdom teeth extraction and TMJ pain.

Also, it is important to take into consideration that since wisdom teeth do not cause TMJ pain, they should not be extracted for jaw pain. Only problems like gum inflammation, negative impact on the neighboring teeth, and in worse cases, cysts and infections are when you should have your wisdom tooth removed.

Can a Chiropractor Help Alleviate Your Problems with TMJ?

April 13, 2016

Filed under: Blog,TMJ Treatment — tntadmin @ 10:34 am

When it comes to TMJ treatment, it is better to go with non-invasive or conservative treatment as much as possible.  Surgical options, which tend to be more invasive, should only be considered as a last resort.  Chiropractic techniques have been found to work very well in relieving problems with body joints.  With a good chiropractor, you can find effective TMJ pain treatment as he or she realigns your jaw joint.  This treatment can be used by itself or alongside other treatment that you may be receiving.

It has been found that chiropractic treatment relaxes the muscles that surround the joint and also adjusts the joint.  This can alleviate pain temporarily and in some cases even permanently.  The idea is to relieve the joint of tension, leaving it relaxed and re-aligned.

Interestingly, if you have poor posture or are suffering from a back problem, you may find yourself suffering from TMJ syndrome as well.  The condition can be caused by a misaligned upper back or neck and as the chiropractor works on aligning the spine, you may find your TMJ gone as well. You will find that the symptoms that accompany TMJ, the ear pain, neck pain, headaches and jaw locking, disappear with chiropractic treatment.

Why Should Chiropractic Treatment Be Part Of Your TMJ Treatment Options?

Studies have shown that chiropractic treatment can indeed improve TMJ disease.  A study carried out in 2003 with 15 participants resulted in improved pain relief and the participants could open their jaws wider.  This shows that there is promise in this area of treatment.

This treatment can be used by itself or with other treatment options.  Medicine can also be prescribed as needed.  Some of the medications used are anti-inflammatory drugs, pain killers, corticosteroid injections and muscle relaxants.  One may also need to use a cold or hot compress which does a good job in reducing inflammation.  For those who clench and grind their teeth at night, a mouth guard is also recommended to prevent that.

Other options for TMJ disorder treatment include a bite plate that is used to correct any misalignment, relaxation techniques, modified chewing habits, stress reduction and jaw stretching exercises.  All of these have been shown to be effective approaches to the treatment of TMJ. Combining these with chiropractic treatment can help.

How Can You Take Care Of Yourself

As the sufferer, there are certain things that you can do to help you feel better when you are experiencing TMJ symptoms and treatment.  Here are a few suggestions:

  • Go on a soft diet as this will give your jaw temporary rest. Avoid foods that may be chewy, crunchy or hard and do not open your mouth wide to accommodate whole fruits, apples and corn on the cob.
  • When you yawn, be sure to offer your jaw support by placing your fist on your chin to ensure that your jaw does not lock open.
  • Use a hot water bottle or heat pack to provide moist heat which goes a long way to reduce pain and improve jaw function.
  • Consciously relax the muscles in your face. Relax the lips and be sure to keep your teeth apart.
  • Do some slow and gentle exercises for your jaw to increase mobility.
  • When you go to bed at night, lie on your side and support yourself with a pillow between the neck and shoulder.
  • Use an ice pack to reduce inflammation, promote healing and numb pain.
  • Use relaxation techniques to your advantage such as slow, deep breathing, mediation, massage or yoga to help deal with pain.

It is also important that you avoid the following things:

  • Chewing gum
  • Clenching your jaw
  • Cradling the phone with your neck
  • Dental appointments that will require you to keep your mouth open for over 30 minutes
  • Anesthesia, as it can affect your ability to open your mouth and may even damage the joint

If you have been suffering from TMJ disease, it is important that you have the problem dealt with as soon as possible.  The earlier the better because you can use minimally invasive treatments to provide the relief you need.  Contact us for more information on TMJ and the treatment options available for you including chiropractic therapy.

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