Keeping your teeth and gums safe is just one aspect of your oral health. Other factors can contribute to your smile’s well-being. Conditions such as TMJ disorder can cause discomfort and other worries for your dental health. If you have symptoms such as headaches, misalignment, or popping sounds when you open your jaw, you must seek treatment. Dr. Browne’s team in Prairie Village, KS, can help diagnose and treat this concern.
Read more: TMJ Can Disrupt Your Dental HealthSigns That You May Have TMD
This condition affects many people of all ages. It may be due to genetics, injuries, or other reasons. It may be difficult to tell if there is a problem with your jaw joints unless serious problems begin to show. Some warning signs of this dysfunction could include facial pain, tooth sensitivity, and grinding your teeth. If you begin to experience any of these symptoms, it is important to discuss them with your dentist as soon as you are able. Leaving this problem untreated could cause several problems for your oral health, from sensitivity to misalignment.
How Your Dentist Can Help
Why is your dentist worried about the function of your jaw? The alignment of your teeth can be affected if you have temporomandibular joint dysfunction. This condition can also cause difficulty with tasks like chewing, could be related to bruxism which can wear down your teeth, and can overall lower your quality of life.
At your next appointment, your dentist may be able to see physical signs of this disorder. They may ask you to open and close your jaw, listen for sounds like clicking or popping, and examine your teeth to see if they are worn or misaligned. You can also discuss any symptoms you may have noticed. Once diagnosed, they may be able to help treat it with the help of an oral appliance. This is worn at night and helps reset your jaw to sit in the correct position.
TMJ And Bruxism May Occur Together
Another reason that your dentist is concerned about TMJ is that it is often associated with bruxism. This is a condition that causes the patient to chronically grind their teeth, often when they are unaware, they are doing so. Overtime, this can cause your dental structures to become worn down. As a result, you may notice that your teeth are more sensitive, or you experience tooth decay more often. This may lead to needing several restorations to help protect and restore your smile. To help treat bruxism and reduce your symptoms, an oral appliance can be used as well.
Talk To Our Team Today
If you are experiencing discomfort with TMJ disorder, talk to our team today to get started on treatment. You can call Dr. Browne in Prairie Village, KS, at 913-901-8585.
