During your regular oral health reviews, we look out for the warning signs of TMJ disorder and bruxism. When these alignment and movement issues go untreated, they can take a serious toll on your smile and quality of life. Fortunately, an effective intervention can protect you against their effects!
What Are Bruxism And TMJ Disorder?
Bruxism and TMJ disorder are two separate issues, though if you develop a problem with one, your risk for experiencing the other will rise. Bruxism refers to a tendency to grind and clench your teeth. Because many people who experience this problem unconsciously engage in this activity while sleeping, it makes them vulnerable to enamel damage and painful pressure on their jaw joints and muscles.
TMJ disorder is a concern about the alignment and movement of your jaw joints. When they are not moving as they should, the pressure on your joints and muscles can cause inflammation of the joints and muscles that interferes with bite movement. The strain can also trigger headaches, facial pain, and discomfort in the neck and shoulders.
Treating Your Jaw Troubles
If you express concerns about symptoms of TMJ disorder or bruxism, or we see the signs of one or both during a dental exam, we can take action. A custom guard can change how your lower jaw rests in order to correct the imbalance in your joints. We can also provide an appliance to stop teeth from connecting and grinding overnight if you suffer from bruxism.
Because we take care to digitally measure your teeth and oral structures, we can provide an appliance that stays secure and keeps you safe from harm. If dental damage has already occurred due to bruxism, we can discuss your options for cosmetic dentistry or restorative dental work.
Talk To Your Londonderry, NH Dentist About Bruxism And TMJ Treatment!
Through timely intervention for bruxism and TMJ disorder, we can prevent worrying dental damage and put a stop to ongoing pain issues. For more information on these conditions and how we can treat them, call My Dentist in Londonderry, NH at 603-965-3407.
