How Is TMJ Disorder Affecting You?

TMD and TMJ concept: Temporomandibular Joint and Muscle Disorder. Old Asia woman hand on cheek face as suffering from facial pain, mumps or toothacheIt goes without saying that sleep-related issues are some of the most concerning, especially when it comes to your oral health. Indeed, unconscious teeth grinding, snoring as a result of the body attempting to regulate its breathing, and a host of other issues may not even cross your mind as being related significantly to your oral health. Even still, it is always better to seek treatment preemptively in the event that it can help prioritize your oral and physical health. In today’s blog, your Houston, TX dentist takes a look at the jaw dysfunction known as TMJ disorder, and how early treatment can restore your oral health.

Understanding Jaw Dysfunction

By now, you are likely aware that there are significantly more oral health concerns out there than can be counted on two hands. After all, oral bacteria, germs, infections, and more are constantly attempting to influence your smile’s health, and this process begins as soon as your first tooth makes its appearance when you are a baby.

Though tooth decay and gum disease are among the most common oral health threats to worry about, it is important to note that they are far from the only ones. As a matter of fact, there are plenty of threats out there, and some of them may not even register to you as something to be worried about!

Take, for example, snoring or grinding your teeth. Though it is obvious how teeth grinding can directly impact your teeth, you might not be aware of the other dangers that accompany untreated bruxism. To learn more about this process and what steps you can take to prioritize your health, give our team a call today.

Serious Injury and Complication

When bruxism is left untreated, you experience an increase in chances of developing a dangerous jaw dysfunction known as TMJ disorder. This phenomenon occurs when the lower jaw becomes misaligned from one or both of the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) at which it hinges to the cranium.

The result of TMJ disorder is a potentially painful popping or clicking sensation as the jaw attempts to correct the issue. What’s more? This process can result in serious tissue damage and permanent damage to your nerves and jaw. Contact our team today to learn more about your options.

In-Office and At-Home Care

Though TMJ disorder is certainly not a fun phenomenon to experience, our team can help alleviate the symptoms through splint therapy. Indeed, this process allows our team to safely and carefully help guide your lower jaw back into place. What’s more? We can also set you up with a custom oral appliance to help protect your structures from nighttime teeth grinding damage.

Schedule Your Appointment

Contact SleepWell Houston in Houston, TX by calling 713-796-9600 to schedule your next appointment with our team and learn more about the need for TMJ treatment.