It goes without saying that preventive dentistry is the name of the game when it comes to maintaining a lifelong bill of dental health. Indeed, there are what seem like countless factors influencing your smile as the day goes on, and unfortunately, there are significantly fewer lines of natural defense. As such, our team encourages a thorough routine comprised of at-home practices and in-office care. But what does this look like for nontraditional concerns? In today’s blog, your Lake Orion, MI dentist discusses the dangers of a jaw dysfunction known as TMJ disorder, and how you can take steps to treat the condition.
It Starts with Bruxism
By design, dental prevention is intended to help strengthen your oral structures so as to fend off dangerous infections, germs, diseases, and more. More commonly, this looks like flossing to prevent gum disease or brushing twice a day to get rid of the plaque that houses oral bacteria.
It is important to recognize that dental prevention can mean much more than this as well. After all, some concerns may be more niche or specific to a set of circumstances, and treatment may not be as clear as you would have hoped. In cases such as these, what does this mean in terms of options?
One major concern that might not even cross your mind in the same way plaque or gum disease does include bruxism, also known as chronic teeth grinding. Indeed, this phenomenon occurs when a person consciously or unconsciously clenches his or her teeth together tightly, then proceeds to move the lower jaw from side to side. Not only does this result in friction, but has the potential to significantly damage your teeth. Give our team a call today to learn more.
Impacts on Daily Life
Chronic teeth grinding can result in more brittle structures, increased chances of dental infection, and the development of a dangerous jaw dysfunction known as TMJ Disorder. Indeed, the latter is arguably the most concerning of these options and is constituted by the lower jaw becoming misaligned with one or both of the temporomandibular joints (TMJs). As a result, you might experience a painful popping or clicking in the jaw as it attempts to correct the issue, and difficulty opening the mouth and performing daily tasks.
Seeking TMJ Treatment
Though bruxism and TMJ Disorder are certainly not favorable conditions to endure, there are treatment options our team can provide to help. For example, we may carefully guide your jaw back into place safely with splint therapy, or even help set you up with a custom oral appliance.
Learn More Today
Contact Lake Orion Family Dentistry in Lake Orion, MI by calling 248-693-6213 to schedule your next appointment with our team and learn more about the ways you can care for your smile when enduring TMJ disorder.
