It goes without saying that your smile is in constant need of preventive care and attention. After all, oral bacteria, properties of the food and drinks you consume, the use of tobacco or alcohol products, and so many more factors serve as major influencers to your oral health. Indeed, even nontraditional influences such as chronic teeth grinding have a hand in oral complications, and it is best to seek treatment sooner rather than later. In today’s blog, your Auburn Hills, MI dentist explains the dangers of waiting on dental treatment, as well as why it is necessary to address issues of bruxism.
A Result of Untreated Bruxism
From a young age, we learn that there are various sources of threat or complication that can influence our oral health. These often include dental decay or periodontal infection, both of which begin with the common threat of harmful bacteria lurking in the hard-to-reach areas of the oral cavity. What you might not have accounted for, however, is the influence of nontraditional influences.
You see, nontraditional concerns that can still affect your smile may consist of chronic teeth grinding, also known as bruxism. This phenomenon occurs when a person – consciously or unconsciously – clenches their teeth together and moves the lower jaw from side to side, thus generating friction. Not only is this issue dangerous in terms of causing physical damage to your structures, but it can also lead to even bigger concerns down the line.
Among the issues and side effects that arise from untreated teeth-grinding, a dangerous jaw dysfunction known as TMJ Disorder has to be the worst. For more information about this process and how our team can help, give our office a call today.
Misaligned Joints
When a person grinds his or her teeth consistently, it is possible that their lower jaw becomes misaligned with one or both of the temporomandibular joints at which it hinges to the cranium. This phenomenon is known as TMJ Disorder.
When a person experiences TMJ disorder, he or she will endure a popping or clicking sensation in the jaw when attempting to open the mouth. What’s more? This disorder can complicate routine activities such as biting and chewing, and may even lead to significant pain or tissue damage if not addressed in a timely manner. Contact our team today to learn more.
How An Appliance Can Help
In order to treat TMJ disorder, our team will recommend the use of a customized TMJ appliance. This process not only helps protect your teeth from damage, but gradually guides the lower jaw back into place in a safe manner.
Learn More Today
Contact Advanced Dental Concepts in Auburn Hills, MI by calling 248-852-1820 to schedule your next appointment with our team and learn about the different side effects that arise from untreated bruxism and TMJ disorder.
