Taking care of your oral health means more than just attending a checkup every once in a while. As a matter of fact, your teeth and other oral structures require consistency and thoughtful care if it is going to last you a lifetime. Sometimes, however, oral bacteria, a dental emergency, or some other factor may have another plan for your smile, instead. In cases such as these, it is always best to act with efficiency, and we are ready to help you. In today’s blog, your Leawood, KS dentist takes a look at the way issues such as TMJ disorder can influence your oral health, as well as the functional and structural obstacles you could face.
A Result of Chronic Teeth Grinding
Whether you are aware of it or not, the process of grinding your teeth at night while you slumber is not a common phenomenon. Like snoring, grinding your teeth occurs when something is out of place and is anything but harmless when it does. What’s more? The longer the issue persists without care, the worse it will become. But what exactly are your treatment options?
You see, chronic teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a process that occurs when a person tightly clenches his or her teeth together and proceeds to move the lower jaw or mandible from side to side. This creates friction between the structures.
Though bruxism is a problem in and of itself due to the impact it has on the health of your teeth, chronic teeth grinding can lead to an even more dangerous phenomenon known as TMJ disorder. For more information about this process and how you can protect your smile, give our team a call today.
Complications to Functional Capabilities
TMJ disorder is a dangerous jaw disfunction that occurs when your jaw becomes misaligned with one or both of the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) at which it hinges to your cranium. As a result, you will experience a popping or clicking sensation as the jaw attempts to fits the issue on its own.
As you can imagine, the misalignment can make it difficult to perform routine tasks and actions. For example, a person enduring TMJ disorder may not be able to open his or her mouth very wide, making it difficult and even painful to eat. Give our team a call to learn more today.
Ways Treatment Can Help
With the help of guided splint therapy, our team can gradually and safely guide the mandible back into place and promote proper healing. Additionally, a custom mouthguard may be created for you to use while you slumber so that your teeth remain protected.
Schedule Your Visit Today
Contact Dreem Dentistry in Leawood, KS by calling 913-681-5500 to schedule your next appointment with our office and learn more about TMJ disorder today.
