How much impact can an oral health problem have on your life? If you currently struggle with TMJ dysfunction, you can be well aware of how intrusive this problem has the potential to be. When patients struggle with problems that affect their jaw joints, they can have a hard time biting, chewing, and speaking, typically simple functions that can become difficult, or painful. There is also the potential to develop pains in your face, neck, shoulders, and head. If your struggles with TMJ dysfunction include a tendency to grind your teeth (a problem known as bruxism), you also run the risk of suffering serious dental damage.
Questions:
True Or False: Teeth grinding can lead to TMJ dysfunction, but it is also possible for existing TMJ issues to cause a teeth grinding habit.
True Or False: Problems with your jaw joints can lead to frequent headaches.
True Or False: You might see some minor changes to your teeth because of teeth grinding, but there is no need to worry about any significant damage.
Answers:
True! Fortunately, your dentist can use a special oral appliance to help address both issues. The right appliance can keep your jaw joints relaxed while you sleep, while also protecting your teeth from the effects of grinding.
True! They may seem unrelated, but the health of your jaw can lead to regular headaches. Our jaw joints are controlled by our trigeminal nerve, which is also controls sensation in your face, neck, and head.
False! Teeth grinding can do serious damage to your smile if you do not address it. You may find yourself needing a dental crown after grinding your teeth to the point of causing one to suffer a chip or crack. Minor damages can often be addressed with cosmetic dental work.
Talk To Allen Family Dental About TMJ Dysfunction
Allen Family Dental is proud to offer the kind of oral health care that can improve a person’s quality of life. If you struggle with pain in your face, jaws, and head, you may be in need of treatment for TMJ dysfunction. To set up an appointment with Dr. Torrens-Parker or Dr. Lizardi, call Allen Family Dental in Allen, TX, today at (469) 342-6644. Located in Allen, we also welcome patients from Frisco, Plano, McKinney, Fairview, and all neighboring and nearby communities.
