O’Fallon Dentist Explains TMJ-Related Dental Health Issues To Watch Out For
Structural problems with your smile can really take a toll on your oral health over time. That is why our O’Fallon dental team is here to give you the information that you need about TMJ-related health issues. We hope that this brief article will help you recognize TMJ problems before they damage your smile.
First, we are going to review some of the frequently experienced symptoms of TMJ problems. If your temporomandibular joints are damaged or inflamed, you may notice:
· That you experience jaw pain or sensitivity
· That you prone to suffering from headaches as well as neck, ear, or shoulder pain
· That your jaw is prone to clicking or popping as you chew
· That you are suffering from limited jaw mobility—it may be difficult to open your mouth all of the way when you are biting and chewing
So, as you can see, these TMJ problems are already inconvenient and painful. However, TMJ problems can actually get even worse over time, and lead to serious dental damage.
· Because TMJ dysfunction makes it difficult for you to chew, your dental bite surfaces may wear down unevenly and prematurely
· When it is difficult to open your mouth all of the way, it can become really hard to floss and brush the back corners of your smile. This is why long-term TMJ sufferers are prone to developing cavities and gum disease.
· Some people with TMJ disorder also find that their teeth shift over time, as they deal with bruxism and tooth-to-tooth pressure when their top and bottom teeth come together
If you have questions about TMJ disorder and how to care for your smile while dealing with this issue, our O’Fallon dentist is happy to provide you with all of the information and support that you need. Get ahold of our time by calling our office, or submitting your question for our team through our website’s Contact Us page!