The threats of tooth decay, gum disease, and more are constant struggles every person has to deal with when it comes to taking care of their smile. Indeed, these are only a few common issues people experience, but the truth of the matter is that nearly everything can negatively influence your oral health, especially if you are not taking the necessary steps needed to provide a great foundation for protection. One such issue involves developing a troubling jaw dysfunction that makes everyday tasks more difficult. In today’s blog, your Leawood, KS dentist explains the causes behind TMJ disorder, and how you can seek treatment that restores jaw function.
When You Constantly Grind Your Teeth
While you might not be aware of the severity of the problem, it is important to know that teeth-grinding impacts your smile in a few different ways. It consists of a process of clenching the teeth tightly and moving the lower mandible back and forth from side to side. This process generates friction and gradually wears down the protective layer of enamel over time.
Teeth-grinding can occur both consciously and unconsciously, and the consistency or frequency of doing so heavily influences daily function. What’s more? It can be difficult to discern if you are grinding your structures while you sleep, but a few telltale signs include waking up with a tense or sore jaw and being unable to open the mouth properly without pain or difficulty.
The longer you experience bruxism, the more likely you become susceptible to developing a dangerous jaw dysfunction known as TMJ disorder. To learn more about this process and what you can do to help, reach out to our team today.
Failing to Seek Treatment
Those who do not seek treatment in a timely and efficient manner could experience significant damage to the mouth. When a person has a case of chronic teeth-grinding, he or she faces the risk of the jaw becoming misaligned from one or both of the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) at which it hinges to the cranium. As a result, you might experience popping or clicking in the jaw, difficulties opening the mouth properly, and even significant tissue damage. Reach out to our team today to learn more about this process.
What to Expect
As you might imagine, TMJ disorder can be a painful experience that significantly impacts your oral function and quality of life, and as such, it must be addressed appropriately. Our team can assist with guided splint therapy in order to help guide the lower mandible back into place gradually. What’s more? We can help set you up with a custom oral appliance to address the effects of the teeth-grinding.
Speak with Our Team
Contact Dreem Dentistry in Leawood, KS by calling 913-681-5500 to schedule your next appointment with our team and learn more about the benefits of guided splint therapy for treating TMJ disorder.
