When you place tension on your jaw, you may begin to experience discomfort or pain. Many people may try to ignore their symptoms because they worry the treatment is extensive. At Healthy Smiles Family Dentistry in Houston, TX, we have a simple, non-surgical way to help you. Here are three reasons why you should treat your TMJ with an oral appliance.
Read more: Treating TMJ Does Not Have To Be A HeadacheIt Could Be Affecting Your Smile
The constant stress that is placed on your joints due to temporomandibular joint dysfunction could be harming your teeth and mouth. Patients are usually unaware that they are placing too much pressure on their joints or grinding their teeth. Over time, this can cause wear and tear on their pearly whites. This can lead to the weakening of teeth, making it difficult to chew.
It can also cause the enamel to be damaged and make it easier for cavities to form. You may also find it difficult to brush your teeth due to feeling extreme sensitivity. In severe cases, TMD may also cause your alignment to shift and make your smile look uneven.
Your Oral Health Contributes To Your Physical Health
Addressing TMJ pain is important because it is part of your holistic health. When you are at an increased risk of problems such as cavities and gum disease, it takes a toll on your body as well. Periodontal disease is linked to heart-related problems such as stroke, disease, and heart attack. When TMJ makes it more difficult to brush or floss, you are at higher risk of these issues.
You may also find that you have a poor quality of sleep with this disorder. Having a lack of rest can put you at risk for depression, anxiety, irritability, and more. This can severely impair your quality of life.
Addressing This Disorder May Help Other Problems
The chronic grinding of your teeth, also known as bruxism, is often found to be linked with TMJ. This is also done subconsciously but can cause severe damage to your teeth. There are several reasons why you may have TMJ or bruxism. The problems may be genetic, due to stress, other dental problems, or more.
The good news is there is a simple solution that can help you. An oral appliance is a device that goes in your mouth as you sleep. This helps relieve pressure from your joints and protects your teeth from gnashing against each other. When combined with other treatments like orthodontics to straighten your smile, patients find positive results from this treatment.
Schedule An Appointment Today
If you have symptoms that may be caused by TMJ, call Healthy Smiles Family Dentistry in Houston, TX, at (281) 974-4494 to schedule a consultation. We will help determine the problem and find the best solution for you.
