Your oral health is affected by various factors, and oftentimes it requires more effort than the average person may typically put in. Indeed, attending routine appointments such as checkups and cleanings can help you stay on top of your health by not only allowing us to monitor your smile’s health over time, but answer any questions you may have regarding other nontraditional factors affecting your oral cavity. In today’s blog, the Riverside Dental Group Team discusses why it is important to speak with your dentist about jaw pain, discomfort, and teeth grinding, as well as how TMJ treatment may be able to help.
Untreated Teeth Grinding
Bruxism, also known as chronic teeth grinding, occurs when a person clenches their dental structures together as the lower jaw moves from side to side. This causes friction and stress to the surfaces of your teeth, and if it is allowed to continue, it can result in breakage, chipping, and even a higher risk of disease and infection.
Teeth clenching can occur at any time for a number of reasons, and grinding may occur when a person is unconscious or asleep. Because of this, it might not be so easy to determine if you are affected by the phenomenon. Some signs that you are experiencing bruxism might include sore or painful jaw muscles, visible and audible grinding, tooth damage, head and neck issues, and more. If you suspect you may be affected by chronic teeth grinding, give our office a call today.
A Major Jaw Dysfunction
A major complication that can arise from untreated bruxism includes the development of a dangerous jaw dysfunction known as TMJ disorder. Named for the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) that are affected, TMJ disorder occurs when the lower jaw becomes misaligned with a TMJ. Symptoms can include audible and even painful popping or clicking in the jaw, difficulty fully opening the mouth, changes in the way your teeth fit together, and facial pain.
Possible Treatment to Help
To treat the effects of TMJ disorder, or to protect your natural teeth from chronic teeth grinding, your dentist may recommend the help of an oral appliance. Depending on your unique situation and needs, we will help inform you of your best options and what we can do to help. The sooner you seek treatment, the better off your oral health will be.
Schedule With Riverside Dental Group
We want to help you and your family enjoy better oral health, and we are ready to start when you are. To find out more about the dangers of untreated TMJ disorder, call:
Riverside Dental Group at Magnolia in Riverside, CA at (951) 689-5031.
Dental Associates of Moreno Valley in Moreno Valley, CA at (951) 697-6800.
Riverside Dental Group at Woodcrest (951) 776-9001.
Oasis Family Dental in Temecula, CA at (951) 695-2290.
Dental Associates of Riverside in Riverside, CA at (951) 369-1001.
Dental Associates of Corona in Corona, CA at (951) 273-9580.
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