Taking care of your smile is the greatest gift you can give your oral health. After all, there are what seems like countless bacteria, germs, and other threats bombarding your teeth daily while not much stands in the way of damage. Indeed, a well-rounded preventive routine is necessary for a lifelong bill of health, but bear in mind that nontraditional concerns can also influence your smile’s longevity. In today’s blog, your Auburn Hills, MI dentist discusses the way a jaw dysfunction such as TMJ Disorder can impact your oral health, as well as what your treatment options may be.
It Begins with Teeth Grinding
It goes without saying that, when taking care of your teeth, dental prevention is the name of the game. This is because preventive dentistry consists of any and all treatment that aims to keep your oral structures strong and protected. Indeed, the most traditional sense of dental prevention includes at-home care such as brushing your teeth and flossing, as well as in-office care through examinations and cleanings.
Though tooth decay, gum infection, and more are among the most common oral health threats in the world, that is not to say that they are the only ones you need to worry about. As a matter of fact, a number of nontraditional issues have a hand in many other circumstances that do not fare well for your teeth. One such example is teeth grinding.
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, occurs when a person clenches his or her teeth and moves the lower jaw from side to side, generating friction. To learn more about the effects of chronic bruxism, give our team a call today.
Impacts of Jaw Dysfunction
Chronic teeth-grinding can lead to a number of complications, but none are as troubling as TMJ Disorder. This phenomenon occurs when the lower mandible becomes misaligned from one or both of the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) at which it connects to the cranium. As a result, a person experiencing TMJ Disorder will endure a series of popping or clicking in the jaw as it attempts to correct the concern.
Not only is TMJ Disorder a painful phenomenon, but it can seriously hinder your oral function as well. Give our team a call today to learn more about the dangers of this dangerous jaw dysfunction.
Where to Seek Treatment
Though it is a concern you should absolutely take seriously, TMJ Disorder and chronic bruxism can be treated with a custom appliance. The next time you visit our office, ask our team about bruxism appliances and guided splint therapy.
Schedule Your Appointment
Contact Advanced Dental Concepts in Auburn Hills, MI by calling 248-852-1820 to schedule your next visit with our office and learn more about the need for TMJ treatment.
