If you have an aching jaw, pain or tenderness in your jaw joints, or it hurts to chew, then you may have a temporomandibular disorder, the most well-known of which is temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. The temporomandibular joints are the hinges that connect your jaw to your skull and are situated right beneath the ears.

To know whether or not you have TMJ disorder, there are a number of symptoms you should look for. These include:

• Jaw pain
• The jaw is tender to the touch
• Ear pain
• Pain while chewing
• “Achy” facial pain
• Locking of the jaw joint
• Headaches

For an official diagnosis, schedule an appointment at keith + associates dentistry today.

Does TMJ disorder go away?

Oftentimes, the jaw, ear, or facial pain is temporary and resolves on its own. If this is the case, it may not be necessary to see a dentist. However, if the pain doesn’t go away or gets bad enough that over-the-counter medications or home remedies don’t give you enough relief, you should contact us.

What causes TMJ disorder?

Dentists are often unable to determine what caused a patient’s TMJ disorder. There are several common causes of TMJ disorder, though. It can be caused when a disk between the bones becomes eroded or slips out of place. Trauma is another leading cause of TMJ. Teeth grinding at night makes you more likely to have it, as do high-stress levels. Arthritis in the jaw joint can be another cause. Genetic factors may also contribute to TMJ disorder.

Do mouthguards help with TMJ disorder?

Mouthguards are one way of treating TMJ. Hard or soft mouthguards are worn while you sleep at night and are custom-fit to be comfortable. In addition to helping with TMJ disorder, they protect your teeth from being worn down by grinding and help protect other dental work from cracking due to too much pressure.

What are the other treatments for TMJ disorder?

To begin addressing TMJ pain, you have several options, including using over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol or ibuprofen. Additionally, some patients find relief through muscle relaxants.

Here are other effective ways to alleviate TMJ pain:

1. Be mindful of foods that strain the jaw muscles and try to avoid them.
2. Apply heat and cold packs to the affected area.
3. Consider acupuncture as a potential treatment.
4. Incorporate meditation and relaxation techniques to ease tension.
5. Seek relief through massages.
6. Engage in physical therapy to strengthen and stabilize the jaw muscles.

Does Emface treatment help with TMJ?

Through expert relaxation techniques, Emface aims to soothe inflammation in the jaw muscles, providing much-needed relief and potentially enhancing overall jaw comfort and functionality. TMJ pain can often become chronic and debilitating, stemming from factors like stress, teeth grinding, or jaw misalignment. Emface treatment serves as a potential solution for those seeking relief from these discomforts. It goes beyond traditional approaches by incorporating facial mapping and specialized skincare products, further aiding in soothing and alleviating inflammation in the jaw muscles.

If you’re experiencing persistent TMJ pain, call our office at 913-384-0044 or schedule an appointment today. We’re here to help, so don’t wait to get the treatment you need!

In the ever-changing world of beauty and skincare, innovative technology is constantly reshaping the way we care for our skin. One such groundbreaking advancement is Emface, a cutting-edge, non-invasive treatment that utilizes synchronized radiofrequency and high-intensity focused electrical stimulation to rejuvenate the skin. Emface may also provide potential benefits to those suffering from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain. If you’re curious about this revolutionary technique and whether you’re a suitable candidate for it, keep reading to learn more about Emface.

Introducing Emface

Emface is a state-of-the-art skincare procedure that combines two powerful technologies to improve overall skin texture and stimulate collagen production. The treatment involves the use of synchronized radiofrequency, which gently heats deeper skin layers, and high-intensity focused electrical stimulation.

The combination of these technologies allows Emface to address a wide range of skin concerns, including wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, and uneven texture, without the need for invasive procedures or needles.

How Emface Works

1. Synchronized Radiofrequency: The radiofrequency energy emitted during an Emface session gently penetrates the skin’s surface, targeting the underlying dermal layers. This controlled heating stimulates collagen and elastin production. The heating effect also encourages improved blood circulation, aiding in the delivery of essential nutrients to the skin cells.
2. High-Intensity Focused Electrical Stimulation: Emface employs high-intensity focused electrical stimulation to create micro-injuries within the skin’s layers. These micro-injuries trigger the body’s natural healing process, prompting the production of fresh collagen and elastin fibers. As the skin heals, it becomes smoother, more even, and gains a youthful glow.

Benefits of Emface

Emface treatment offers a range of benefits, making it a highly sought-after option for enhancing skin appearance. Some of the benefits include:

• Non-invasive and needle-free
• Minimal downtime
• Improved skin texture
• Firming and lifting
• Natural-looking results
• Potential to reduce TMJ pain

Are You a Candidate for Emface?

Emface is suitable for a wide range of individuals seeking skin rejuvenation and improvement. If you can relate to any of the following, you may be an excellent candidate for Emface:

• Early Signs of Aging: If you’ve begun to notice fine lines, mild sagging, or a decrease in skin elasticity, Emface can help restore a youthful appearance.
• Uneven Skin Tone and Texture: Emface can be beneficial for those struggling with uneven skin texture, acne scars, or sun damage.
• Lack of Radiance: If your skin lacks radiance and appears dull or tired, Emface can revitalize your complexion.
• Non-Invasive Preference: If you prefer non-invasive procedures and wish to avoid the discomfort associated with needles or surgery, Emface offers an excellent alternative.
• TMJ Pain: If you are suffering from jaw pain, combining Emface with a mouth guard holds the potential to alleviate TMJ pain and discomfort.

Embrace Emface: Reveal Your Radiance

Emface stands out as an impressive, non-invasive solution for achieving youthful, radiant skin, empowering individuals to regain their skin’s natural beauty. If you’re interested in Emface, call keith + associates dentistry to determine whether this treatment is suitable for you.

Learn More About Emface Schedule Your Appointment Contact Us

Are you dealing with wrinkles, fine lines, or age spots? Emface treatment utilizes cutting-edge technology, offering a comprehensive solution for these skin concerns. Renowned for its non-invasive nature, EmFace delivers noticeable results without the need for surgery or extensive recovery time. This safe and efficient approach has made EmFace treatments highly popular among individuals seeking facial rejuvenation, skin tightening, and the restoration of youthful radiance. Emface may also provide potential benefits to those suffering from TMJ disorder. Whether aiming to revitalize facial muscles or improve overall skin health, EmFace treatments provide a reliable and effective option for everyone.

Benefits of Emface

EmFace treatment offers a wide range of benefits for individuals seeking to improve their skin health and emotional well-being. Some of the key advantages that you could experience include:

• Enhanced Skin Radiance
• Reduced Skin Inflammation
• Improved Skin Resilience
• Boosted Self-Confidence
• Potential Benefits of Reducing TMJ Pain

Emface at keith + associates

Are you experiencing jaw pain? Emface treatment at keith + associates dentistry may help reduce your TMJ (temporomandibular joint) pain by promoting relaxation techniques to soothe inflammation in the jaw muscles, providing relief, and potentially improving the overall comfort and functionality of the jaw. TMJ pain, often caused by stress, teeth grinding, or misalignment of the jaw, can be a chronic and debilitating condition. Emface treatment incorporates facial mapping and targeted skincare products that can help soothe and alleviate inflammation in your jaw muscles. Keith + associates dentistry offers a promising avenue for individuals seeking TMJ pain management and improved quality of life with the help of Emface.

The Emface Process

EmFace treatment uses the power of synchronized radiofrequency technology and high-intensity focused electro-muscular stimulation (HIFES).

Through synchronized RF technology, regulated dermal heating is applied to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. By targeting these areas, the treatment effectively promotes skin rejuvenation and repair, resulting in a more youthful and vibrant appearance.

HIFES plays a role in enhancing muscle tone and definition, leading to efficient lifting and shaping of facial contours. By specifically stimulating the underlying muscles, Emface treatment offers a comprehensive approach to facial rejuvenation that addresses both the skin’s condition and the muscles beneath, ensuring a thorough and transformative outcome.

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The mouth contains a complex microbial ecosystem or system of microbiomes, that can both help and harm teeth. Biofilm, which plaque is an example of, is any collection of microorganisms that cling to each other and to a surface.It’s impossible to completely remove bacteria or eliminate microbiomes from the mouth. However, as in any ecosystem, there is a balance that is necessary to maintain a healthy equilibrium. Good oral hygiene habits, healthy choices, and a balanced diet are our way of maintaining that equilibrium so that more dangerous and harmful bacteria are reduced and kept in check.

Oral Hygiene and Biofilm

If good hygiene habits aren’t maintained then plaque and the microbiome it contains can harden and grow. This can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, and cavities. After oral surgeries in particular there is a risk of infection if good habits aren’t maintained. For this reason, twice daily brushing, regular flossing, and using mouthwash are critical.

Since teeth make up a relatively small part of the overall surface area inside the mouth using an anti-bacterial mouthwash is a great way of fighting back harmful oral bacteria. By regularly brushing you force the biofilm and bacteria in your mouth to regenerate and prevent it from growing out of control.

Diet and Bacteria

Too much sugary food, or improper hygiene after consuming sugary food, can feed bacteria. Sugar is a sort of fuel for certain harmful bacteria present in your mouth. This is why candy, soda, and other sugary foods and drinks are associated with causing cavities. Similarly, too many acidic foods can throw off the oral microbiome and fuel harmful bacteria.

Healthy Choices and the Oral Microbiome

Certain habits and behaviors like smoking or nicotine use can also throw off the oral microbiome. Nicotine usage can cause dry mouth which reduces saliva which naturally helps keep the mouth at equilibrium. Additionally, a thin film can form on teeth from smoking and vaping that can trap excess bacteria. Chewing tobacco similarly can fuel particular types of bacteria.

Regular dental checkups and examinations for more serious issues are also a crucial part of maintaining good overall oral health. At keith + associates we are happy to help new clients learn about good oral hygiene. Schedule online or call us today at 913-384-0044.

Invisalign revolutionized the way people look at orthodontic treatment. The clear aligner system from Invisalign made it possible for people to discreetly improve their smiles. While Invisalign allows people to love the appearance of their smile and avoids many of the discomforts of braces throughout the process, there should be more to consider when choosing orthodontic treatment. You should consider which treatment option will best treat your individual situation. While you should speak with one of our dentists before making your final decision, we have included issues that Invisalign can effectively treat.

Invisalign is very effective at treating crooked teeth. The clear aligners offer a great solution for people to align their teeth and love their smile.

Overbite & Underbite

Invisalign can be used to treat both an overbite and an underbite. An overbite is when the top front teeth extend beyond the bottom of your bottom front teeth. An underbite is when the lower jaw rests in front of the top jaw when the mouth is closed. Invisalign can be used to move either the top or bottom teeth into the right place so that they align properly with the mouth closed.

Crossbite

A crossbite occurs when teeth don’t line up properly with the mouth closed. This could be the top teeth in the back of your mouth resting inside your bottom teeth or could be one or more of your top front teeth resting behind your bottom front teeth. Invisalign^® can move teeth into the proper positions and treat a crossbite.

Gaps in Teeth & Crowded Teeth

These opposite issues can both be treated by Invisalign. Gaps in teeth occur when there are large spaces between teeth. Crowded teeth happen when there is not enough room in the jaw for all of the teeth, often causing them to overlap or twist. Crowded teeth can make it easy for food to get stuck or plaque to build up, and should be addressed to keep optimal oral health.

Limitations of Invisalign

While Invisalign is an excellent option for many orthodontic issues, it does have its limitations. There are times when it may be best to go with braces. For severe orthodontic issues and intrusion and extrusion, braces often offer the force that is needed. It’s also important to note that Invisalign^® continues to get better and better. We can now treat more complex orthodontic situations than we could even a few years ago. If you are interested if Invisalign^® is the right treatment option for you, contact our Mission, Kansas, office at 913-384-0044.

Learn More About Invisalign

Preventing Cavities in Mission, Kansas

Cavities, often referred to as tooth decay, are tiny holes that develop in the hard surface of your teeth. They are most common in children and teenagers, but they can affect everyone, including infants and toddlers. Join keith + associates dentistry as we take a closer look at what causes cavities and how you can prevent them.

Causes of Cavities

Cavities typically occur as a result of poor oral health habits but other various factors can increase the risk of getting a cavity, including:

• Dry mouth. Dry mouth occurs when there is a lack of saliva in the mouth. Saliva helps wash away food stuck on the teeth, and it counters the acid produced by bacteria in the mouth, which reduces the chance of cavities.
• Foods and drinks. Certain foods aren’t as easily washed away from saliva, making them more likely to cause decay. Foods you should limit include: ice cream, honey, sugar, soda, cake, chips, cookies, and hard candy.
• Constant snacking or sipping. Drinking or eating frequently throughout the day results in increased bacteria in your mouth. These bacteria produce the acids that attack tooth enamel.
• Lack of fluoride. Fluoride is a natural mineral that helps prevent cavities and can reverse the early stage of tooth decay. Use a fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash to help reduce your chance of cavities.

Cavity Prevention

Regular dental visits and daily brushing and flossing are the best protection against cavities. But cavities that are left untreated get larger and larger, affecting the deeper layers of your teeth. Deeper cavities result in higher chances of experiencing a severe toothache and infection. So, when it comes to cavities, prevention is key. Follow these cavity prevention tips to avoid the need for cavity fillings:

• Brush with fluoride toothpaste. Brush and floss twice a day, ideally after each meal.
• Visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. Professional teeth cleanings remove plaque that builds up over time, which regular brushing and flossing can’t. Going to the dentist twice a year is one of the best ways to prevent cavities.
• Dental sealants. Sealants protect the tooth enamel from harmful plaque and bacteria.

If you think that you have a cavity or are experiencing tooth decay, contact our Mission, Kansas, office immediately at 913-384-0044.