Staying Healthy After TMJ Treatment
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. But if you want to fully recover and stay recovered, you’ll also need to make sure that you continue to take good care of your jaw joints after seeking professional treatment. It’s important that you maintain a lifestyle that’s conducive to good TMJ health. Below, I’ve shared some information about the treatment process I utilize at my practice as well as a handful of TMJ self-care tips that can help you on your journey to recovery.
MAGO Therapy for Treating TMJ/TMD Disorder
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.
How to Keep TMJ Symptoms from Returning
Your long-term recovery from TMJ Disorder will also depend on the actions you take on your part to keep your jaw joints healthy. This may mean changing certain habits or adjusting your lifestyle. Here are some tips for avoiding TMJ pain and flare-ups:
1. Allow your jaw to rest. This helps your chewing muscles relax and takes stress off your jaw joints.
2. Avoid straining or placing unnecessary pressure on your jaw when you eat, sleep, and go about your daily routine.
3. Eat mostly a soft-food diet and chew using your back teeth.
4. Practice “lips together, teeth apart.” Try to be aware of times when you may be clenching your teeth and avoid this habit.
5. Sit up straight and practice good posture to avoid placing unnecessary strain on your jaw.
6. Use heat and massages to relax your jaw muscles, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain.
7. Apply moist heat to the jaw area twice each day for 30 minutes at a time.
8. Massage your jaw area gently to reduce pain, headaches, and muscle spasms.
9. Follow your doctor’s instructions for prescription medication. You can also use over-the-counter medications to reduce pain.
10. Wear a mouthguard at night to prevent teeth grinding.
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 an appointment. 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.
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!
