Back to School Stress & TMJ Health
September is more than just the beginning of fall, it’s also a time when all the kiddos are back in school after their fun summer break. Or for some it’s about getting your kid ready and settled in for their first year of college. Whatever the case, it’s a lot. It’s only human to experience some form of stress and anxiety as a result of the back-to-school and or off to college mania and all the activities involved. With all the checklists and buying of supplies you had to complete, it’s likely been extremely stressful. When stress occurs, you might also experience pain–from headaches to jaw pain. And when pain occurs, diagnosis and treatment are necessary. Whether it is simply stress related or if it is a disorder like TMJ/TMD, we can help!
Hello, I’m Dr. Mike Gallagher and I am passionately focused on TMJ/TMD treatment. TMD (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder) is a terrible affliction which affects the joint that connects your jaw bone to the temporal bones of your skull. Patients who have this condition usually suffer from a tremendous amount of pain and debilitating symptoms and have a hard time finding the right treatment.
Many people suffer from these conditions on a daily basis and left untreated, can cause some serious impact on their physical health as well. Many of our patients often ask, “Does stress and anxiety impact TMJ health?” Our team here at Gallagher Dentistry & Facial Pain Center does believe it is all connected. Stress, anxiety, and TMD all have very similar, overlapping symptoms that lead to misdiagnosis. For patients that experience all three conditions, understanding the connection and learning better management skills can help treat each condition.
The Impact of Stress and Anxiety on Your TMJs:
Stress is a common condition experienced by many. While the body is designed to handle moderate stress, chronic and long-term stress left untreated can lead to serious health concerns. Unaddressed stress can cause severe teeth grinding, muscle tension, chronic pain, headaches, and trouble sleeping. Stress and TMD are linked since the symptoms of stress can cause TMJ pain and dysfunction. Teeth grinding and muscle tension are large factors that can cause TMD. Prolonged anxiety, as well as anxiety disorders, can cause physical symptoms including muscle tenseness, restlessness, fatigue, and issues with sleep. Anxiety can cause TMD while also being a symptom of TMJ issues, creating a vicious cycle.
Addressing Stress and Anxiety Before Impacting TMJ Health:
Finding positive, healthy ways to treat your stress and anxiety can have serious health benefits for your TMJs as well as your overall health. Everyone is different, so self-discovery can play a crucial role in finding the right coping methods for your current stress and anxiety levels. Seeking professional help, making lifestyle changes, and finding healthy coping strategies can help manage these conditions better. If you are having difficulties finding effective stress or anxiety management techniques, finding a mental health professional or psychologist is recommended.
MAGO Therapy for Treating TMJ/TMD Disorder:
Professional treatment is undoubtedly an important (and essential) step in obtaining relief from TMJ Disorder. It allows for an accurate diagnosis and is critical for stabilizing your jaw joints and chewing muscles. Treatment for TMJ/TMD often involves some form of Oral Appliance Therapy. Oral Appliance Therapy is a non-invasive, therapeutic approach that allows for the stabilization of the jaw joints. At my practice, we use a very specific type of Oral Appliance Therapy called “MAGO Therapy.”
MAGO Therapy is the only clinically-proven method found to be scientifically effective in treating TMD. Within just a few weeks of MAGO Therapy, many of my patients are able to achieve substantial relief and enjoy a much better quality of life.
WHAT IS MAGO THERAPY?
MAGO is an acronym for Maxillary, Anterior, Guided, Orthotic. If you or someone you care about has TMJ and you’re searching for relief from pain and symptoms, I urge you to consider the advanced treatment option called MAGO Therapy. This non-surgical, non-invasive therapeutic approach is one of the single most effective and proven methods for providing long-term TMD relief.
Get Help for TMJ Disorder Today at Gallagher Dentistry & Facial Pain Center
Do you have questions about whether or not you truly have a TMJ disorder? Have you been given an accurate diagnosis? My team and I are here to help. For more information on TMJ, our diagnosis process and treatment plan, please contact my office at 952-942-9600 for a complimentary consultation. When you visit my office for your TMJ health exam, I will take every measure possible to ensure an accurate diagnosis. This includes thoroughly examining your mouth, bite, and jaw in order to gain a proper understanding of your condition. Then, after reviewing your medical history and symptoms, I will create a custom treatment plan based on your needs to get you back to enjoying life to its fullest again.
About Gallagher Dentistry & Facial Pain Center
Dr. Michael Gallagher and our Eden Prairie Dentistry team are committed to providing exceptional care and empowering our patients with information about their dental health. Please take advantage of Dr. Michael Gallagher’s offer for a free consultation regarding how we can help you. If you have any questions about our services or would like to schedule an appointment, we invite you to give us a call at 952-942-9600 for a complimentary consultation. The outstanding experience of our dental team, Dr. Gallagher, and the skills of our staff have helped us in successfully treating our patient’s TMJ condition. We welcome patients throughout Eden Prairie, Chanhassen, Bloomington, Minnetonka, Edina, Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Burnsville, and the Plymouth area. For more information regarding TMJ pain relief techniques, please contact us!
