Whether you are aware of it or not, the quality of sleep you receive may actually be tied to your oral health. Indeed, many patients do not readily associate these two factors, but in reality, you can tell a lot about your oral health based on the phenomena you experience while asleep. These can range from chronic snoring due to a blocked air passage, incessant teeth-grinding, and even a dangerous jaw dysfunction. In today’s blog, your Houston, TX dentist takes a look at the effects that arise from TMJ disorder, and how you can better manage your health.
How it Impacts Your Bite
While grinding your teeth every once in a while, is certainly not much to fret about, you should be aware that chronic or incessant grinding is bad for your teeth. Indeed, when a person experiences bruxism, he or she is consciously or unconsciously clenching his or her teeth together and moving the lower jaw from side to side. This process generates friction and can lead to a number of complications.
One of the major issues that may arise involves wearing down the protective layer of enamel that is present on your teeth. You see, this is our smiles’ primary line of defense, and once it is gone, it will not come back. Additionally, teeth-grinding can increase your chances of developing infection due to oral bacteria, and even cause your structures to break or crack more easily due to becoming brittle.
Arguably the worst of the possibilities that come from chronic teeth-grinding is the development of a dangerous jaw dysfunction known as TMJ disorder. Contact our office to learn more about what you should do in the event of bruxism.
The Level of Damage
When your lower jaw becomes misaligned from one or both of the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) at which it hinges to your cranium, the result is TMJ disorder. Indeed, this complication can lend itself to significant damage without proper care.
As your jaw attempts to realign itself, you may experience a popping or clicking sensation. This feeling can also be painful depending on the severity of your circumstance. Additionally, you could suffer severe tissue and muscular damage as your jaw attempts to realign, which is why it is best to seek treatment immediately.
Why You Should Seek Treatment
The damage endured due to TMJ disorder can be significant and permanent. By coming in for an appointment, we are able to help provide the best course of action for your situation. This can include recommendations for an oral appliance to treat bruxism, and the help of sling therapy to carefully guide your mandible back into place.
Learn More Today
To learn more about the importance of seeking treatment sooner than later, or to schedule your next appointment with our team, contact SleepWell Houston in Houston, TX by calling 713-796-9600 today.
Recent Comments