TMJ Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) occurs when the muscles that help open and close your jaw are out of balance, causing your mouth to be out of alignment. This leads to various symptoms, including pain, headaches, and problems eating or talking. One of the most dangerous effects of TMJ is how it can wear down the teeth, leading to cavities and gum disease. Here at Gresham Dental Excellence, Dr. Cooke can help to diagnose the condition, and if it has already affected your teeth and gums, we will provide you with the best treatment solutions. What Are the Symptoms of TMJ?TMJ symptoms include pain and discomfort in your jaw joint, problems with chewing and clenching, reduced ability to open your mouth wide, earaches, and even hearing loss. These symptoms are usually caused by grinding or clenching of the teeth while you sleep. This can cause wear on your teeth and affect their quality over time. In some cases, it might even cause them to decay faster than normal. A custom-fitted mouthguard can provide significant relief if you suffer from these problems. It will help separate your upper jaw and lower jaw, preventing you from grinding your teeth. How Does TMJ Cause Oral Issues?TMJ is usually caused by teeth grinding and clenching, leading to jaw muscle pain, tooth and gum damage. Many people do not understand how this happens, but there are events leading to these problems. First of all, when you grind your teeth, you put your teeth and gums under a lot of pressure. When this happens, you suffer from tooth fractures and cracks. If you have a tooth fracture, sometimes it can be very difficult to clean inside the cracks, which will eventually lead to decay and cavities. Teeth clenching forms pockets along your gum line. This is very dangerous as it allows bacteria to get into the pockets, causing gingivitis, and if left untreated, it can lead to periodontal disease. The only sure way to prevent TMJ from causing teeth damage is to see the dentist for better treatment solutions. Managing Your TMJ PainDr. Cooke is here to issue the best treatments available for your TMJ. Visit us at Gresham Dental Excellence or call at (971) 431-7292 with any questions. |
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