Dr Na TMJ Clinic

Exciting Announcement!

In March 2021, following the devastating first year of the pandemic, our Koreatown LA clinic faced closure due to a fire in the building. It was heartbreaking, especially since my mom, Dr. Soon Na and I had worked together for over 30 years at this location.

Thanks to the incredible support of our patients, who traveled far to visit us at our temporary locations in Downtown LA and Pasadena, we were able to persevere. I am extremely grateful to my chiropractor friends, Dr. Monique Abbinanti Popovac, Dr. Kassandra Li, Dr. David Yoo and Dr. Richard Gerardo, who welcomed me to work at their clinic.

Now, we are excited to announce our reopening in Larchmont LA and Burbank!

Thank you all for your support and patience. We look forward to continuing to provide care at these new locations.

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Anyone suffer from dry mouth and chapped lips?

Dry mouth and chapped lips is usually caused by mouth breathing. (It can also be from not drinking enough water)

Mouth breathing reduces saliva production, since it bypasses the nasal passages, which normally help humidify the incoming air. When you breathe through your mouth, the dry air can dry up the oral cavity, leading to decreased saliva production.

Nose breathing is better for TMJ disorder because it promotes proper tongue posture and helps in maintaining jaw alignment, reducing strain on the TMJ.

Remember to breathe in and out only through your nose with your lips closed. Keep your tongue on the roof of your mouth, relax your forehead, temples and jaw area to allow your jaw to relax down and forward, and keep your teeth slightly apart.

Always be mindful of where you are holding your stress and check if you are clenching.

Are you familiar with mouth taping?

It's a practice that involves using medical tape to seal one's lips during sleep, 1) encouraging nasal breathing, 2) potentially reducing snoring, 3) enhancing sleep quality by increasing oxygen flow to the body, and 4) improving airflow to prevent dry mouth.

Please note that mouth taping is generally recommended for those who struggle to keep their lips closed, either due to mouth breathing or due to bulky appliance in their mouth during sleep.

Our body is incredibly adaptable; if improper tongue posture prevents proper breathing, it will readjust to a more favorable position to open up the airway, given the chance.

Of course, it is not recommended for individuals with clogged sinuses, a tongue that is too large and obstructs the airway, or other potential obstructions.

It's important to note that while there are potential benefits, mouth taping may not be suitable for everyone, and it's recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before adopting this practice, if you have underlying medical conditions or concerns about its use.

You can find "mouth tape" products on Amazon, or simply use medical tape in an X shape across your mouth. Just be sure to use breathable tape and ensure it can be easily removed for comfort.

Micropore Tape for Restores Nasal Breathing - Pain-Free Removal and Hypoallergic Tape (120 PCS) Transparent Micropore Tape

TMJ Disorder: To Ice or Not to Ice:

Inflammation is a natural and essential part of the body's immune response to infection, injury, or over usage. It is our body’s defense mechanism to protect the body and promote healing.

Acute inflammation is a beneficial and necessary response that helps the body heal and protect itself in the short term. However, chronic inflammation due to overuse of joints, which persists over time, can be detrimental and cause many health problems.

Icing TMJ and other joints that have chronic inflammation due to overuse can provide several benefits and is often recommended as a part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Proper icing techniques is important. Use a cold pack wrapped in cloth, apply for 10 - 15 minutes for every 4 hours.

* Pain Relief: Cold therapy numbs the area, reducing pain and discomfort.
* Reduced Inflammation: It constricts blood vessels, reducing blood flow and swelling.
* Improved Joint Function: Icing enhances joint mobility, aiding daily activities.
* Minimized Tissue Damage: It helps limit long-term damage caused by chronic inflammation.
* Faster Recovery: Particularly beneficial after activities that worsen inflammation.

https://amzn.to/3RNtG50

TMJ Disorder: To Ice or Not to Ice… that is the question.

Icing TMJ and other joints that have chronic inflammation due to overuse can provide several benefits and is often recommended as a part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Proper icing techniques is important. Use a cold pack wrapped in cloth, apply for 10 - 15 minutes only every 4 hours.

What is Proper Tongue Posture

Tongue Posture Exercises and How they May Affect Your Cheekbones As a preventive measure, proper tongue posture may help you avoid several health issues including misaligned teeth, poor breathing habits, and tongue thrust. Here's how to practice it.

Causes of TMJ Disorder: Part 1 : TemporoMabdibular Joint Disorder can be complex and multifactorial.

Comment Below: Where is your Tongue at Rest?

The relationship between tongue position and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, also known as TMD, is complex and interconnected:

* Muscle Tension: Improper tongue posture, such as resting the tongue on the bottom of the mouth, can lead to increased muscle tension in the jaw and surrounding areas. This tension can contribute to TMJ pain.

* Malocclusion: Tongue position can affect the alignment of the teeth and the bite. If the tongue doesn't rest against the roof of the mouth as it should, it may lead to malocclusion (misalignment of the teeth), which can be a factor in TMD.

* Breathing Patterns: Some individuals with TMD may also have issues with tongue posture during breathing. Mouth breathing, which can result from tongue posture problems, may contribute to TMD symptoms.

* Swallowing Patterns: Abnormal tongue and swallowing patterns can strain the TMJ. For instance, a tongue-thrust swallowing pattern, where the tongue pushes against the front teeth during swallowing, can be associated with TMD.

Aligned Wellness- Part 2: Impact of TMJ Alignment to the Face, Spine, Pelvis and Body Posture

TMJ Disorder- How to reduce jaw pain and headache

Dr Na TMJ Clinic updated their phone number.

Researchers have found that acupuncture is helpful for treating TMJ disorder!!

Temporomandibular Disorder: How Do You Know if You Have TMJ? More than 10 million Americans suffer a temporomandibular joint or TMJ disorder.

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