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Is “Back To School” Stress and Anxiety Impacting Your TMJ Health?

Is “Back To School” Stress and Anxiety Impacting Your TMJ Health?

It’s that time again! It is only human to experience some form of stress and anxiety as a result of back-to-school mania. With all the checklists and buying of supplies, it can be 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. 

More 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. 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. The outstanding experience of our dental team, Dr. Gallagher, and the skills of our staff have helped us in successfully treating our patient’s oral problems. We’re always welcoming new patients throughout Eden Prairie, Chanhassen, Bloomington, Minnetonka, Edina, Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Burnsville, Plymouth, Eagan, Richfield and surrounding areas. For more information, please contact us!

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Schedule your Hygienist appointment in just 1-2 weeks! Despite the recent news coverage about Hygienist shortages across Minnesota, it’s NOT impacting us at Gallagher Dentistry & Facial Pain Center. We can help, we are welcoming new patients and would love to be your dental team! 

 Contact Us At (952) 942-9600 Today!
 
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