#How To Stop Tmj Pain

[labradorite-princess]

My fucking mouth hurts!!!!!!!!!

[kanehldental]

If you ever wake up with a headache or sore jaw, then you might suffer from bruxism. Learn what bruxism is and how you can treat it with our helpful guide.

[thekristen999]

Counting the small victories. I refinanced my auto loan. My payment is staying the same, but I've knocked off 9 months of the term so now I have only five years left on it.

Went to a TMJ specialist who finally was able to explain all my TMJ/ sleep apena issues in terms I understood. Both my jaws are too small for some reason and my poor tongue has nowhere to rest comfortably at night. Not to mention the discs in my jaw slipped out of place decades ago. This is why night guards don't work for me and why my jaw aches all day long.

He said he can create an appliance to reposition my teeth where they want to go and stop all the poor jaw mechanics for $3,500 dollars that of course insurance won't cover.

At least the answer was cheap. I'll ponder how I can afford the solution esp as he said I'd have to buy a whole new one if I ever straighten or do any other dental corrections, which I do need. But can't do right now because the TMJ has made my jaw too painful.

At least I'm drinking good coffee right now :)

[eleanor-is-fine]

Headaches

It's not clear whether MI6 attracts the sort of people who get headaches, but it's definitely an environment that causes headaches.

Q gets migraines and has a complicated regimen of medications and remedies that has evolved since he started having them as a teenager. 

Bond has cluster headaches. One of the reasons he disappears for days (or weeks) at a time is to deal with episodes. The most effective medication is a nasal spray that makes everything taste awful, so he indulges his senses to the fullest when he can.

Eve gets migraines, too, with extreme visual aura. She sometimes gets just the aura - Q found out about the migraines when Eve bumped into a desk. Acupuncture helps reduce the frequency. In an emergency, acupressure can often stop the progression. Q knows just where to press (they go to the same acupuncturist). Bond knows how, too, and Eve is considering teaching M.

Tanner gets horrible tension headaches. He holds stress in his shoulders and neck, which starts the headache, then the pain makes him tense up even more. Working out helps. Bond introduced him to the heavy bag; pummeling away definitely seems to help.

M(allory) has TMJ which causes both headaches and dental problems. Unfortunately circumstances where he grinds his teeth and the bite guard would be most helpful - when meeting with infuriating politicians - are exactly the times he can’t wear it. 

M, herself, never got headaches. She liked to say she had nothing but pains in the arse. However, she had terrible arthritis that she denied and tried to hide. 

Q Branch builds a float tank in one of the labs that quickly becomes a favorite destination for all the headache sufferers. Q adapts some polygraph equipment into a biofeedback rig. A couple of the poison specialists chemists come up with personalized aromatherapy formulas.

[weirdstrangeandawful]

Okay look. I really really love how much attention hEDS is getting because it is really hard for rare diseases to get treatment and diagnosis and hEDS is definitely underdiagnosed (still rare but also underdiagnosed). I also disagree strongly with the EDS society's gatekeeping of hEDS. Especially when their goal is to identify the genetic marker which means you need to rule more people in not out!!! If you end up with an extra group of people that's fine! I'm already convinced that hEDS is more than one subtype that have been erroneously combined.

But I will say that I've been finding a lot of people with joint hypermobility, and even generalised joint hypermobility, self-diagnosing makes it difficult to get treatment and diagnosis because the tone among doctors is shifting from 'devastating incurable illness that reduces quality of life to near zero and requires management as soon as possible' to 'just hypermobility'.

Yes, hypermobility is a pain. But I could deal with it.

I can't deal with (in no particular order) not being able to eat or drink, nausea, fainting, low blood volume, seizures, partial paralysis and ataxia, paresthesias, akathisia, extremely delayed wound healing and therefore infections, bruising from the lightest bump or blood draws, stretch marks, dermatographia, and other things that affect body image, thousands of dollars in dental work, constant cavities, ingrown nails, accessory toenails, extremely tight hamstrings (part of the reason I'm not diagnosed yet because they compensate for my lumbar spine), finger and thumb hyperextension, greatly reduced grip strength, dystonia, dislocations of both joints and tendons, trachea hypermobility causing me to stop breathing, severe TMJ issues, flat feet that have required mobility aids since I was 4 and continue to get worse, fragile and slightly hyperextensible skin, urinary retention, bladder and pelvic pain (including contraction-like symptoms without a uterus), severe headaches, tunnel vision, visual snow, tinnitus, insomnia, hypersomnia, joint pain, musculoskeletal pain, myofacial pain, nerve pain, nerve damage, extreme fatigue, hearing issues, vision issues, tremors, nutrient deficiencies, medication intolerances, and so many more symptoms and comorbidities.

And yes, I recognise that it's not the patients' faults. They should absolutely be able to bring up concerns of hEDS without it negatively influencing other patients. But doctors suck a lot of the time.

[hungerpunch]

okay actually. i am maybe going to cry lol. here is a non-exhaustive list of the medical professionals i have seen since i was in seventh grade:

too many internists (as primary care/general practice) to actually count. well over a dozen.

two neurologists

one spine specialist

seven physical therapists

two chiropractors

four massage therapists

three dentists

one oral surgeon

i have had many MRIs and x-rays. i have had a lot of blood taken. i have taken rounds of steroids and muscle relaxers for pain/symptom management. there have been times i could not turn my head to one side for months at a time. i have scoliosis, which wasn't figured out until the fifth or so physical therapist, even though previous chiropractors had taken x-rays of my spine.

here is a non-exhaustive list of reasons why i sought such intensive care:

debilitating migraines

severe back pain

severe neck pain

bad pain flares in my back teeth during times of stress

ear aches

here is a non-exhaustive list of things i have been told about myself by these professionals:

the enamel on my teeth was worn off and had to be artificially reapplied "because" i "brushed my teeth too aggressively."

that the reason my ears hurt was "because" i "cleaned them too aggressively" and there was no protective ear wax left.

that the lowest three discs in my spine were degenerating.

that i was grinding my teeth in my sleep.

that i was hyper-tensing in my sleep and that i should "take xanax daily & nightly to make it stop."

that i had scoliosis. (this one is 100% confirmed)

that i needed therapy to become less stressed so my muscles would relax.

that i needed massage therapy and other various treatments to address how tight all my fascia was in certain parts of my body.

that i should try mouth guards because the teeth grinding had started to do real damage.

that i should enter a sleep study for how intense and chronic my insomnia was.

that the pain in my hands/tingling in my fingers was because my wrists were too weak.

that there was "something evil stored" in my neck

and then. an anon yesterday asked if i had tmj. and i said probably not. and then @chronodyne slid me a message that said "re: tmj, mine is myofascial and i also don’t have the clicking/trouble opening my mouth."

so i did some reading.

starting with myofascial tmj got me here (cedars-sinai.org)

i paused to look up bruxism, which turns out to be the medical term for grinding/clenching your fucking teeth:

highlights are things i have experienced and sought or had medical attention for (dull headaches are not highlighted because i have only ever sought medical attention for migraines, though i certainly have dull headaches all the time).

okay. so i know i clench my jaw/grind my teeth in the daytime. and a dentist has told me before that it's evident i do it in my sleep, too. just the other day i woke up with a ravaged inside right cheek from chewing it in my sleep. so i can safely self-diagnose bruxism.

back to tmd.

highlights are symptoms i have experienced. i did not highlight teeth sensitivity because i would classify it as pain instead. but you don't understand the howl i let out internally when i read the ringing in the ears and numbness/tingling feeling in your fingers bullet points. i have been operating under the assumption that i have tinnitus and probably a very scary autoimmune disorder that i just am better off ignoring (this is not medical advice, it's avoidance). i'm not saying i don't have those things, but i also never knew there were other possibilities.

over the course of my life i have had many injuries to my neck and actually i have also had a pretty severe concussion before, which i would classify as a head injury. i have many of the symptoms listed for tmd. i have even undergone, incongruously, many of the treatments for it. so many doctors have noted and attempted to address issues with my fascia, with my muscles, with my tension.

it raising its ugly head when i'm stressed makes sense i literally said in my post yesterday DOES THIS HAPPEN TO ANYONE WHEN THEIR BLOOD PRESSURE RAISES LOL SOB

i cannot conclusively diagnose myself with tmd or, for that matter, with mps (myofasical pain syndrome, which i had also never heard of!). but i am so, so frustrated because i have never even heard these words. i have never been screened for these things. no medical professional has ever discussed these possibilities with me, even when they're treating me for several of the symptoms!

i'm crying for all the tests i've undergone that led to nothing. always, infuriatingly, labeled a medical mystery. for the rounds of steroids and muscle relaxers i've been prescribed. for the painful manual manipulations i've been subjected to. for every single person who ever touched my body commenting on how tight/tense my neck is. for the addiction that stemmed from that first xanax prescription when i was 15 that caused so much fucking grief in my life. for the chronic pain that has swallowed whole decades of my life and sapped my energy since i was a child.

none of these symptoms were ever NOT disclosed to a medical professional. at each one, i did the immense labor of dragging out my entire, perplexing medical history, including injuries and past issues and treatments. but nobody ever thought to consider this? nobody, with all those degrees, with those long careers, with all those patients, ever thought to consider this? while i was in all those paper gowns, on all those cold tables, getting poked and prodded, crying, paying for tests i could not afford, so sleep deprived i thought i'd die at 25, nobody considered this?

anyway @chronodyne suggested seeing an oral surgeon to discuss this so. i guess that's what i'm looking up next.

[venusiancarbondioxide]

i think the best allegory for being a person capable of romantic feelings and trying to date despite having the kind of giga mental illness that makes it hard to form connections with others is a saw trap. you either you have to play by and engage with the rules of the saw trap (dating apps! the list of red flags to make sure you don't have! a bunch of dead-end conversations with people who might be inclined to give you their emotional table scraps if you behave the right way!) or not try at all and let the misery happen to you (having no romance in your life whatsoever) and like. both options are super likely to end with you in pain. if you dig through the stomach of a dead guy to get the key to the reverse bear trap before a timer goes off, chances are that you are going to fail at that task and get your face ripped off. but also if you don't try at all, the reverse bear trap is 100% going to rip your face right off. 98% chance of face getting ripped off versus 100% chance of face getting ripped off. and of course, when you fail at one romantic encounter, it's not like you're dead. no. mr. jigsaw just reconstructs your face, but with a shit ton more scar tissue that makes the whole process more painful, and puts your right back into the reverse bear trap. you don't ever get to get out of the trap. the suffering happens and it happens again and it happens again and it happens again until you maybe dig a key out of enough guts and someone can tolerate you for the span of a week, but then they change their mind and whoops, your face has once again been ripped open! back to the trap with you! and it just goes on like this. the puppet is just going to keep ripping my face off. not even a life long romance is immune from puppets that rip your face off bc that person will die. maybe unless you die first? tl;dr, i cannot escape the misery, there is literally no option that results in me being happy unless i get my face ripped off minimum of 97 more times and even then that's just a brief reprieve, so would anyone like to tell me how to get evil puppets to stop ripping my face off in a permanent way??? this is causing jaw problems. i have tmj from mr. jig b. saw ripping off my face with the reverse bear trap.

[arugulalover]

if ur anything like me and get told my doctors "your shoulder pain/jaw pain/headache/etc is from your anxiety" and ur like wtf how does that help me, the thing important to know is that anxiety increases your stress levels, and a fun and necessary thing our body does as a protective measure is suppress your pain sensitivity so you can live to outrun the bear or whatever. so anxiety can mean we ignore the first little twinge telling us "hey you might want to relax your jaw a little, you're flexing just a biiit too much" and it leads to a headache, tmj, and teeth grinding.

so actively practicing mindfulness exercises and checking in on what our body is doing is NOT a "just stop being anxious" type of advice, it is a really important way to combat the physical effects of anxiety 😁👍

(link to interesting paper btw)

[heartshattering]

I feel like I've messed my health up and there's no going back.

Yes, I took NSAIDs to deal with chronic headaches and migraines, TMJ pain, endometriosis cramps, and back pain, because 1 - a previous doctor who didn't want to give me anything else for the pain told me it was fine, 2 - I stopped being able to go to physical therapy, and 3 - I was balancing trying to graduate while being the caregiver of my terminally ill grandma in her last stages of life and didn't have time to practice other pain relief techniques.

Yes, I eat basically every food on those "Top Worst Foods for Digestive Issues" lists, because I don't have time to make a special meal every time I'm hungry while I'm taking care of my mom. Yeah, eating greasy chips and double stuffed Oreos and chocolate and other things I don't have to cook isn't good for me and I know I have trigger foods and should be following one of those low FODMAP diets and spend time meal-planning or whatever but I feel like I can't get my life in order. I struggle so hard to stay on top of other things, I don't want to obsess over every single thing I eat and have to cook 3 special meals a day for myself every day.

Yes, I overdo it with caffeine. It's a shitty dependency I've had for a long time which led me to having to see a pediatric cardiologist and get prescribed heart meds since before I was even in high school. I've been hospitalized for heart arrhythmias in my 20s and I still take too much caffeine because I'm always tired, sick, can't focus, and the doctor told me I couldn't take stimulant medication for ADHD because of my history of heart issues. Add on top of that the fact I have two parents from the "We don't believe in ADHD, young people just need to focus better" generation. So I fuck myself up with massive amounts of caffeine instead because that totally makes sense. And (surprise surprise) caffeine is another thing you aren't supposed to take when you have IBS (and almost every other health issue I have). But I do it anyway.

Going on sleep meds wasn't ideal. I have stopped other ones before and I'm weaning off my current one. But doctors still blame me for having taken them in the first place, don't see how much effort I put into gradually trying to sleep more naturally again, and just assume the worst from me and say I'm doing reckless shit like drinking alcohol while on sleep meds or driving after taking them (I don't do either of those things, on or off meds, but especially not on them). As soon as doctors find out about my home life and things like my mom being paralyzed and the fact I lost four of my family members in one year, they automatically think I'm abusing the sleep meds and lecture me on stuff like "Doing that isn't going to fix your grief/depression :/" and don't understand how difficult sleeping while dealing with severe OCD phobias and compulsions that get worse at nighttime is.

I stay up late because I can hardly get any work done during the daytime. I can only follow a sleep routine for so long until I run into a night where I have to catch up with my work because my aunt randomly stayed for a week, or my mom had an emergency, or whatever else. Same used to happen when I was a student taking care of my grandma, too. I suck at managing my time and I'm constantly overwhelmed, I feel like at any second I'm going to mess everything up and disappoint everyone.

I know I haven't been great to myself and that I have all sorts of habits that haven't been ideal but it's just been so hard to get help. I was made to leave the local psychiatric center because my problems were considered "too severe" for them to handle. It feels like no one wants to deal with me and that they just see me as a lost cause even though I'm trying. Really, I am trying. It's just so hard and I feel like too much of a mess all the time.

[padawansuggest]

I saw a new GO for the first time today and was honest for the first time about how many pain killers I take and how it’s destroying my body (like thing ‘shitting blood every 3 days’ destroying cause that’s what it got to) but I couldn’t stop or even take less or I’d be in the ER and I was terrified to tell a doctor that because I once had a doctor tell me ‘take less pain killers’ and I said ‘and replace them with what? Because I can’t stop I’ll be in the er. The er that refuses to give pain meds.’ And they just said ‘doesn’t matter just take less and fix the root problem’ but the root problem is that I am allergic to everything ever and also have multiple chronic conditions that cause inflammation in my head and neck and that’s why I take the pain killers to reduce the inflammation and the only reason I was brave enough today to say how much I take is because SHE suggested steroids and a muscle relaxer first and I was so happy I couldn’t stop grinning. About. Steroids. And a 12 hour muscle relaxer. Like. I’m still flying on cloud nine and that’s over… 6 hours since I got the pills and I haven’t had any pain killers in about 8 and that’s. Impressive. For me. Because I been taking them every time I take a gabapentin lately. Which happens every 6 hours.

Anyways. I’m desperately hoping these pills get me to baseline because after 2 straight months (arguably 2.5 at least) of infections and inflammation I’m so fucking over this shit and my face hurty.

Also she got me a script to go see a PT at the hospital who worked with her own daughter for TMJ and I’m excited about that one too. When I don’t see SOMEONE for too long I start forgetting that normal for others is pain free or 1-3 on the scale and I’ve been living for most of my life at 5-6 and the past three months at 6-8 and that’s. So bad. And the doctors could and should help.

Anyways. My tooth spot is healing very well so far. And now I’m gonna get back to being functional and losing the 30lbs I have gained in the past 3 months being unable to function. I can do that cause my healthy limit is about 30lbs ago so I need to and want to, but like. Damn. For me, who typically never fluctuates in weight more than 5lbs up or down, that’s not great and really shows what my pain level has been lately.

I love you all, thanks for sticking with my through the fever brain. If you coincidentally liked this slightly less hinged version of me tho, I can stay cray cray if you need it, I just have no real filter when my head is inflamed.

[cripple-culture-is]

this might be a very weird question bc i dont know how to word this but. i have tmj and im pretty sure i have hypermobility joint syndrome (not diagnosed?, my family has a history of it) but im not sure how to bring it up and a doctors appointment is expensive. its currently at a point where im constantly in some form of pain, especially in my knees and my fingers- im trying to save up for compression gloves or knee braces bc the pain is so overwhelming. everyone i know is able bodied so i dont really have anyone to go to for advice, where do you think i should go from here?? (sorry if this is a bother!! feel free to delete this i know its a lot)

This is a difficult one to answer. I'm honestly not that knowledgeable about the diagnostic process for a lot of conditions, mostly because I was diagnosed with my issues so young that my mom and grandma did all the work. I haven't officially been diagnosed with anything since, even though I believe I have undiagnosed issues (an autoimmune thyroid condition being one of those).

Have you brought it up with your family at all? You could tell them that you've been experiencing symptoms.

Just because you're undiagnosed doesn't mean you don't have a certain condition. Unless it becomes a severe issue, you don't have to get diagnosed right away, especially since you may not be able to afford it. Remember that diagnoses can take a very long time in some cases. Sometimes they even take decades. I was diagnosed quickly, but that was because my family already had experience and my grandma and mom are very stubborn and fought for me.

I'd recommend bringing it up to your family. If you can't get diagnosed, maybe try speaking with those in your family who have that condition, if possible. Get their advice, their perspective, ask about their experience, etc. Do some online research on it and ways you can help yourself. Go onto social media and search for people who have that condition.

And if you think some sort of aid will help you, definitely save up for one. You don't need a diagnosis to get things that will help you. Plenty of undiagnosed disabled people buy themselves mobility aids in order to help them. So if you firmly believe that something is wrong with your joints, don't let your lack of a diagnosis control you and stop you from doing something to help yourself.

Diagnoses are a thing of the modern era. Diagnoses like we have now haven't always existed. Modern medicine isn't as old as many people think it is. And many of these conditions are lesser known. Which means that even if you were able to go to a doctor, medical gaslighting is still possible, even for those who actually have a diagnosis.

I have a friend who has been diagnosed with multiple disabilities, multiple chronic illnesses who was told by a doctor that she was faking, even though she has a bunch of diagnoses. So that's just one of many obstacles you could run into when attempting to get a diahnosis.

I hope this helps

If anyone else has any tips for this user, please comment 😁

[silvanoir]

Year-Long Headache

ARGH! ... I hate doctors.

The buzzing/throbbing/pain in my head started Feb 27, 2023. After a sharp pain in my neck the day before with a hot and cold feeling running up and down my spine. I called the primary care doc and it was a struggle to get her to take me seriously. First appointment I asked if it was nerve damage. Because I have nerve damage in my foot and that's how it started.... a hot and cold feeling running down my leg. She said no.

Sends my to Mass Eye and Ear, they look in my ear and do a hearing check. No damage to my ear, near-perfect hearing. They send me to physical therapy for TMJ. Well that helped my neck and back feel better but my head still buzzed/throbbed/hurt. I mention the "fizzy" feeling on my teeth, they say "huh, that's weird"

Went to the dentist. They gave me a nightguard in case its from grinding my teeth. Said I'd feel better in 2 weeks. I do not feel better.

Went back to the primary care doc. She gave me muscle relaxers. That knocks me out for 2 days after taking one but when I wake up.... still hurts and buzzes.

Went back to the primary care doc. She doesn't care. Tells me if I get "another" headache I should go to the hospital.

In the fall I go to the hospital. There all day and night. Run all kinds of tests and scans. Can't find anything. Give me migraine medication. This knocks me out but the pain and buzzing is still there.

Winter 2023, I go back to my primary care doc. I tell her I went to the hospital and she says "Why? They can't do anything for you" BITCH, YOU TOLD ME TO. She as usual, is more interested in heart problems or cancer (of which I have neither) because those are PROFITABLE. My problems are not (I have looked in online forums, other people have had this problem with their docs). But there are no other primary care docs accepting new patients in my area and I need a primary care doc for my insurance so... argh.

She prescribes me anti-anxiety meds. They do not work in any way. All they do is make me throw up every time I try to take them (including at work, and out to lunch one day with my Work Friend... I am so sorry bro but at least since he was a former hardcore musician and ex-alcholic, puking is nothing new to him and he was sympathetic). I stop taking them.

Jan 2024, I GO BACK TO MY PRIMARY CARE DOC. I am losing feeling in my hands at this point. My whole body throbs, not just my head. Tingling, icy and hot feelings all over. NOW SHE ADMITS THAT SOUNDS LIKE NERVE DAMAGE. I finally get a referral for a neurologist!

She writes the referral wrong. I try making an appointment on the phone. It rings and rings and I get nowhere, it says all people in the office are busy right now, but if I leave my name and phone number they'll call me back. They don't call me back. Frustrated, I go to the office in person. NO ONE IS IN THE WAITING ROOM. THE PHONES ARE NOT RINGING. 2 OFFICE PEOPLE AND BOTH ARE STARING INTO SPACE. I show the referral and tell them I need an appointment. They tell me to call the number. I deathglare at them, standing still an unmovable, until they make an appointment.

But I need to go back to the primary care doc to have her enter the referral code numbers THE RIGHT WAY.

My appointment is for FEBRUARY 27, 2024, A LITERAL YEAR TO THE DAY SINCE THIS BS BEGAN, A YEAR OF SUFFERING!!!!! OF BEING TORTURED BY MY OWN HEAD!!!!!!

*ETERNAL SCREAMING*

[backwardblackbyrd]

hi! i'm sorry i can't stop talking about how getting my wisdom teeth removed has changed my whole life but

so!! i started getting psoriasis around my hairline, my ears and the crown of my head and like!! that's weird for me too! that's never been a thing! but i decided i got a new job and was stressed so okay

my hair!!!! omg omg omg so.

it started really falling out last year. like. a scary amount and i didn't know why bc i've litcherally never had thin hair. i was the kid that when a new hairdresser would take down my puffs or pony tail or whatever, they'll tell my mom the service was going to cost more than they originally quoted because it was so much hair lol

cut to NOW and TURNS OUT, your tmj sits beneath your ear and along your hairline on the sides of your head!!!!!!! ahhhh!!!! literally my fuckin scalp was being stretched. Rotten. Its finally relaxing and I feel. So..... *blissful sigh*

and!!!! tmjd effects your circulation so like. the pain i had in my fingers??? going away babes. also that makes so much sense because my hands were always SO cold no matter how warm i was

[cdcave]

Health Anxiety

I am scared that I may have fibromyalgia and am wondering how common it is, as well as autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis or lupus) following recovery for AN.   

I’m about 1 year into recovery right now from AN, and I am so grateful for growth. But about 2 months ago I started noticing stiffness in my leg muscles and shoulders along with Raynaud’s syndrome (white fingers/toes). 

Since then, symptoms feel like they have worsened to daily  joint pain (thumbs, wrists, neck, shoulders, hips, ankles/feet) and sore muscles/tendons (legs, arms, back, TMJ symptoms, no chest pain).

I never had health anxiety before recovery, but now I cant stop worrying if I did irreparable damage and will have to suffer the consequences my whole life. I have spent prob upwards of $150 this past month on vitamin B, D, magnesium, potassium, calcium, and iron bc the internet told me deficiencies in these vitamins commonly cause the symptoms I described, and I am desperate. 

I’m torn between seeing a doctor or not because I worry its all in my head, and I can’t bear to pay almost $100 to be told that in a 5-min visit.  I know the mind is so powerful over the physical body, and can’t help but think this chronic pain is from stressing myself out about the pain. But in my hours and hours I have accumulated researching on the internet, I read at least 10-15 blog posts of post-recovery patients who spent years trying to decode the same symptoms as me, and finally learned they had fibromyalgia or arthritis. 

Im just rambling now, but It would mean the world and more if anyone reading this can take the poll or share any related info/stories/suggestions related to post-recovery pain and fatigue (can dm/pm if u want to! I am craving some support from my fellow soldiers right about now♡♡♡

[seasonsdental7]

Comprehensive Guide to Oral Appliances and Therapy at 4 Seasons Dental

When it comes to maintaining oral health and addressing sleep-related issues, the right treatment can make all the difference. At 4 Seasons Dental, we are committed to providing our patients with the best care, including innovative solutions like oral appliances and oral therapy. If you’ve been searching for "oral appliance near me" or "oral therapy Milton Freewater OR," you’ve come to the right place. This article will explore the significance of oral appliances, their benefits, and how our team at 4 Seasons Dental can help you achieve optimal oral health.

Understanding Oral Appliances

Oral appliances are custom-made devices designed to fit comfortably in your mouth. They serve various functions, primarily aimed at improving your oral health and well-being. Common uses for oral appliances include:

Sleep Apnea Treatment: Oral appliances are often prescribed for individuals suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA occurs when the muscles in the throat relax excessively during sleep, blocking the airway. A properly fitted oral appliance helps to reposition the jaw and keep the airway open, allowing for uninterrupted breathing throughout the night.

Snoring Reduction: Many people snore due to airway obstructions. An oral appliance can help alleviate snoring by adjusting the position of the tongue and jaw, minimizing the vibrations that cause snoring sounds.

Bruxism Management: Bruxism, or teeth grinding, can lead to various dental issues, including worn-down teeth, jaw pain, and headaches. An oral appliance, often referred to as a night guard, can protect your teeth from damage and reduce tension in the jaw.

Jaw Alignment Correction: For individuals with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, oral appliances can help alleviate discomfort by promoting proper jaw alignment and reducing strain on the jaw muscles.

The Benefits of Oral Therapy

Oral therapy involves a range of treatments aimed at improving overall oral health and addressing specific conditions. At 4 Seasons Dental, our oral therapy services include:

Comprehensive Assessment: Before any treatment, we conduct a thorough evaluation to understand your specific needs. This includes reviewing your medical history, conducting an oral examination, and discussing your symptoms.

Customized Treatment Plans: We believe in personalized care. Once we have assessed your condition, our team will create a tailored treatment plan that addresses your unique needs. This may involve the fabrication of custom oral appliances, therapeutic exercises, or lifestyle modifications.

Ongoing Support and Monitoring: Our commitment to your oral health doesn’t stop once you leave our office. We offer ongoing support and monitoring to ensure your treatment is effective. Regular follow-ups allow us to make necessary adjustments and address any concerns that may arise.

Patient Education: Knowledge is power. We take the time to educate our patients about their conditions and the available treatment options. This empowers you to make informed decisions about your oral health.

The Process of Getting an Oral Appliance

If you’re considering an oral appliance for sleep apnea, snoring, or any other condition, the process typically involves the following steps:

Step 1: Initial Consultation

During your first visit to 4 Seasons Dental, we will discuss your symptoms and concerns. This is an opportunity for you to ask questions and share any relevant medical history. We will perform a comprehensive evaluation, which may include a physical examination and diagnostic imaging.

Step 2: Diagnosis

Based on your evaluation, our dental team will diagnose your condition and recommend the most suitable treatment options. If an oral appliance is deemed appropriate, we will explain how it works and what to expect.

Step 3: Customization

To ensure your oral appliance fits comfortably and effectively, we will take precise measurements of your mouth. This may involve creating molds or using digital impressions to capture the unique contours of your teeth and gums. Our goal is to create a device that feels natural and unobtrusive.

Step 4: Fitting and Adjustment

Once your oral appliance is fabricated, you will return to our office for a fitting. We will ensure that the appliance fits correctly and make any necessary adjustments for optimal comfort and effectiveness. It’s important to note that some patients may require a short adjustment period as they become accustomed to wearing the appliance.

Step 5: Follow-Up Care

After receiving your oral appliance, we will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress. This is crucial for assessing the effectiveness of the appliance and making any necessary modifications. Our team is always available to address any questions or concerns you may have during this time.

Finding "Oral Appliance Near Me"

If you're searching for an "oral appliance near me," look no further than 4 Seasons Dental. Our dedicated team of dental professionals is equipped to provide top-notch care and treatment for various oral health concerns. We understand that convenience is essential, so we offer flexible appointment scheduling to accommodate your busy lifestyle.

Oral Therapy in Milton Freewater, OR

For residents of Milton Freewater, OR, seeking effective oral therapy, 4 Seasons Dental is here to help. Our clinic is easily accessible, and we pride ourselves on offering a welcoming environment where you can feel comfortable discussing your oral health needs.

Our Commitment to the Community

At 4 Seasons Dental, we are proud to serve the Milton Freewater community. Our commitment to high-quality care and patient satisfaction is at the forefront of everything we do. We understand that each patient is unique, and we strive to provide personalized care that meets your specific needs.

Lifestyle Modifications and Oral Health

In addition to using oral appliances and undergoing oral therapy, making certain lifestyle modifications can significantly enhance your oral health. Here are some tips to consider:

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Regular brushing and flossing are essential for preventing dental issues. Make it a habit to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily to remove plaque and food particles.

Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help maintain saliva production, which is crucial for oral health. Saliva plays a vital role in neutralizing acids and washing away food particles.

Limit Sugar Intake: Reducing your consumption of sugary foods and beverages can help prevent tooth decay and other oral health issues. Opt for healthier snacks and drink water or unsweetened beverages instead.

Avoid Tobacco Products: Smoking and using tobacco products can lead to various oral health problems, including gum disease and oral cancer. If you need assistance quitting, don’t hesitate to ask our team for resources and support.

Schedule Regular Dental Check-Ups: Regular visits to 4 Seasons Dental for check-ups and cleanings are crucial for maintaining oral health. These visits allow us to catch potential issues early and provide timely interventions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, oral appliances and oral therapy play vital roles in maintaining oral health and addressing specific conditions. At 4 Seasons Dental, we are dedicated to providing our patients with high-quality care and personalized treatment plans that cater to their unique needs. If you're searching for an "oral appliance near me" or exploring options for "oral therapy Milton Freewater OR," we invite you to schedule a consultation with us today.

Our knowledgeable team is here to support you on your journey to optimal oral health, ensuring that you receive the best possible care every step of the way. Don’t wait any longer—take the first step towards a healthier smile with 4 Seasons Dental!

[normalhorse]

i recently figured out (after 40 years!!) that i'm autistic as hell - i was talking to my burnout psych and said something like "i should just accept im autistic and think about what that means for me".

twelve hours later the back office analysts in my brain were like "hey, here's an annotated list of things you thought were core personality traits but are actually maladaptive coping/masking mechanisms. you don't have to do any of this shit if you don't want to!"

and boy howdy i don't wanna do those things and i'm not and it's honestly incredible how much more space there is in my head now.

this has significantly improved or fixed a lot of my actual problems, including some that i thought were purely adhd, like a comprehensive inability to think about the future in any meaningful way, which is super wild to me after so long being paralysed there.

the most surprising one, though, is that i stopped driving my body around like it was a shitty robot i hated and started being, you know, embodied in my body, all my physical tension, neck/back pain, tmj issues, etc - they all disappeared. i sat down on the couch in a symphony of joint cracks and creaking then half an hour later i stood up and i could touch my toes. flat-foot squat indefinitely. sit on the floor!! i can grasp my hands together behind my shoulder blades palm to palm which i stopped being able to do when i was 12 or so but i've never been good at sitting on the floor and it's fine now.

this sounds insane, of course, but it's not - i walked past my physio in the street and she stopped me because my gait has changed - my hips unlocked so my feet land wider and they engage differently and my arches aren't falling and - anyway i was not really ready for the range of things that turn out to be coping mechanisms/mask symptoms.

i should write a longer post about this but not today.

I was thinking "oh but I can't be autistic, I'm so good at eye contact and small talk! I know all the right ratios for looking/not looking and asking/answering questions! I even know the best posture to communicate low-stakes friendliness (about 15 degrees from facing them. weight on one leg. 70% eye contact. still hands.) everybody says I'm great!" before realizing I may be refuting my own point