Could An Oral Appliance Help You?
Do you ever wake up in the morning with a headache or pain around your jaw? Do you hear a clicking or popping sound when you open your mouth? These may be signs that you have TMJ dysfunction. This is a fairly common condition, but one that should not be ignored. Your Cleveland, TX, family dentist can help treat this without surgery with the use of an oral appliance.
Understanding What TMD Is
Your temporomandibular joints allow you to open and close your jaw. The function of these joints may be disrupted due to a jaw injury, clenching, problems with the connective tissue, or other problems. When this happens, it may cause you to experience some of the symptoms listed above. Patients with TMJ disorder may also be found to have bruxism, which is a condition where you chronically grind your teeth together. This can exacerbate joint problems and harm your dental health. It is important to have TMJ dysfunction treated because over time it can cause problems with chewing and speaking.
Do You Have Bruxism?
As mentioned above, bruxism is a condition where you grind your teeth or clench your jaw together. This is not done on purpose and can be difficult to stop on your own. Some signs that you may be grinding your teeth may include waking up with a sore jaw, feeling sensitivity in your teeth, and having easily fractured teeth. Bruxism can be harmful to your oral health because of the pressure it places on your dental structures and jaw. If you have TMJ, the clenching can worsen the problem. You may also notice that chewing certain foods can cause discomfort, or you seem more susceptible to tooth decay. If bruxism is left untreated, your pearly whites can be worn down. To repair them, you may need dental crowns to be placed over the area.
Receiving An Oral Appliance
At your next checkup, your dentist may be able to notice signs of wear and tear on your teeth. These visual signs, along with your other symptoms, can help diagnose you with these conditions. To help alleviate the discomfort that can occur, your dentist can create a custom oral appliance. This is a retainer-like device that you will wear as you sleep. It can help protect your teeth from rubbing against each other, and keep your jaw set in proper position. This non-surgical solution can help treat these conditions and protect your dental health. Once your symptoms are under control, further restorations can be discussed to repair your smile.
Talk To Your Dentist Today
An oral appliance could help relieve discomfort caused by bruxism and TMJ. To receive this mouthguard, schedule an appointment at Cleveland Family Dentistry in Texas today at 281.592.1234.