When you think about maintaining a healthy smile, you may focus on practicing a good oral hygiene routine and visiting your dentist twice a year for your checkup. However, there are many other aspects of your oral health. If you’ve noticed that you have frequent jaw pain or your teeth are worn down and sensitive, it could be a sign of serious oral health problems. Your team at Hygge Laser Dentistry in Seattle, WA, is here today to talk about treatments for temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) and chronic teeth grinding.
What Causes TMJ Dysfunction?
TMJ is a disorder that causes the joints of your jaw to not hinge properly. This can often lead to problems including frequent headaches, malocclusion, bruxism, and more. If you often experience these symptoms, your dentist may be able to diagnose the problem by examining the area and performing a few tests, such as a bite test and range of motion test. After this through examination, the disorder can be diagnosed, and treatments can be recommended. An oral appliance is often used to alleviate jaw tensions and reduce your symptoms. Other at home remedies, such as practicing good posture and physical therapy, may also aide in alleviating your symptoms.
Bruxism Can Damage Your Smile
Bruxism is a condition that causes you to chronically grind your teeth. Unfortunately, this is often done while you are asleep or unaware, which can make it hard to self-diagnose. You may wake up in the morning with a headache, your teeth can feel sensitive, and you may also notice that you are more prone to cavities or chipped teeth. When you come in for your biannual checkup, your dentist may be able to diagnose the issue after seeing excessively worn tooth surfaces. After diagnosing the issue, they may suggest treatment with an oral appliance to protect your dental structures from grinding against each other. Restorative treatments may also be needed when treating bruxism to refresh your dental structures after damage to them.
How An Oral Appliance Can Help
An oral appliance is a guard worn at night that can alleviate symptoms of TMJ dysfunction, bruxism, sleep apnea, and other disorders. For patients experiencing TMJ, the guard can help relieve tension from your jaws and allow them to properly rest. As a result, your symptoms of TMD can be minimized over time. This appliance may also be able to help patients with bruxism by protecting the teeth from grinding against each other. The guard is custom-made to fit your smile precisely, which allows it to protect your teeth and help your jaw rest.
Talk To Our Team To Learn More
If you experience symptoms of TMJ or Bruxism, our team may be able to help. Call Hygge Laser Dentistry in Seattle, WA, today at 206.789.2555.
