Don’t Put Off Treatment For Bruxism Or TMJ
Your dentist can help with more than just cavities or aching teeth. Your Cleveland, TX, dental team can help diagnose and treat other problems such as bruxism or TMJ. These common conditions can harm your pearly whites, and cause frequent headaches, or tooth sensitivity which can be frustrating. In today’s blog, we will discuss what may cause these issues and how you can get help without surgery.
What Causes This?
TMJ dysfunction may be due to genetics, injuries, grinding your teeth, or many other reasons. Bruxism, the constant grinding of your teeth, may be due to having misaligned teeth, genetics, stress, and more. In some cases, you may grow out of the habit of clenching your jaw. TMJ disorder may improve over time, but it is unlikely that it will go away completely without treatment. Unfortunately, these problems may happen when you are unaware, and it could take an extended period to notice your symptoms. Patients who clench their jaws together may also experience temporomandibular joint dysfunction, but this is not directly caused by bruxism.
These Disorders Can Affect Your Well-Being
TMJ and bruxism can have a negative impact on your overall health. In regard to your oral health, these conditions can cause a variety of concerns. TMJ can cause problems with your smile’s alignment, which can make your bite uneven. As a result, you could experience more frequent cavities and may also have difficulty chewing certain foods. This may also lead to facial pain or tooth sensitivity, which can harm your physical health. These physical health impacts may lead to a decline in your mental health as well, if not treated promptly, as it could lead to increased feelings of anxiety or depression.
Bruxism can cause a patient to grind their teeth together when they are not aware. Over time, this can cause your pearly whites to become worn down. When this happens, you may notice that they are sensitive or more susceptible to cavities. In some cases, it can become easier to chip or crack them, which will require restorative care in the future. Other symptoms that you may experience could be frequent headaches or tooth sensitivity. This often occurs when you are unaware that you are doing it, such as when you are sleeping meaning that your quality of rest could be disturbed.
How Your Dentist Can Help
Your dentist may be able to help diagnose and treat you for these problems. In many cases, these concerns may be found together in a patient. After examining your oral cavity and going over your symptoms, your dentist may be able to produce a diagnosis. To treat this, they may recommend a custom oral appliance. This is worn as you sleep to help your jaw joints rest and protect your pearly whites from mashing against each other.
Learn More About Treatment Today
If you have any questions about these conditions, or would like to schedule an appointment, call Cleveland Family Dentistry in TX today at 281-592-1234.