It goes without saying that preventive dentistry is the name of the game when it comes to taking care of your smile. After all, your smile’s only natural line of defense includes the protective layer of dental enamel that covers your teeth, and even that cannot account for all components that make up your oral cavity. What’s more? Concerns can differ from the common ones you are familiar with, and as such, specialized care may be necessary. But where should you begin? In today’s blog, your Cedar Rapids, IA dentist takes a look at a dangerous jaw dysfunction known as TMJ disorder, and how you can take strides to properly care for your health.
A Result of Chronic Teeth Grinding
Just as we mentioned above, preventive dentistry is a necessary process to consider when caring for your teeth. Indeed, there are countless threats out there that can negatively influence your oral health, and unfortunately, not nearly as many defenses against them. As a result, our team encourages you to take steps at home and in-office to ensure your structures are safe from harm.
Believe it or not, dental prevention extends beyond common or everyday infections such as gum disease and tooth decay. As a matter of fact, prevention is the name given to any practice that aims to protect your natural structures from harm and keep them safe in the process. One such practice includes taking steps to treat chronic teeth grinding.
As a person clenches his or her teeth together and proceeds to shift the lower mandible from side to side, the result is a subsequent weakening of the teeth. What’s more? This can lead to a dangerous jaw dysfunction known as TMJ disorder if left untreated. To learn more about this process and how our team can help, give us a call today.
How it Affects Oral Function
When a person experiences TMJ disorder, what is occurring is that the lower jaw has become misaligned with one or even both of the joints that it hinges to the cranium. These joints are known as your temporomandibular joints (TMJs). This jaw dysfunction is characterized by a noticeable, often painful clicking and popping sensation as the jaw attempts to correct the issue. Without proper care, you can expect to endure significant damage. Give our team a call today to learn more about this process.
Understanding Treatment Options
Though TMJ disorder is far from a favorable experience, all hope is not lost. As a matter of fact, our team can help gradually guide the lower jaw back into place safely through splint therapy. What’s more? We can also help set you up with a custom oral appliance to protect your structures as you slumber.
Schedule an Appointment
When you are ready to schedule your next appointment with our team. Contact Cedar Dental in Cedar Rapids, IA by calling 319-364-7108 and learn more today.
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