When it comes to taking care of their smile, most people know how to look out for common threats such as dental decay, gum disease, and excessive plaque buildup. Indeed, your grin is constantly under scrutiny to fend off a variety of concerns, so the least we can do is provide effective preventive care to ensure its protection. Still, however, sometimes nontraditional issues arise that pose unique risks we do not think to consider. In today’s blog, your Conroe, TX dentist takes a look at the way TMJ disorder can impact your oral function, and how our team can help you find treatment that helps.

Unchecked Bruxism

The primary reason patients develop TMJ disorder is often due to unmanaged bruxism. Indeed, bruxism is the name given to chronic teeth-grinding. This process consists of clenching the teeth together tightly and moving the lower jaw from side to side. While it can occur both during consciousness and unconsciousness, it is more often a problem that occurs while a person sleeps. What’s more? It might be difficult to discern that you are experiencing the issue to begin with, but a few noticeable symptoms can help you make the distinction.

If you wake from a night’s rest with a sore or tense jaw, or you are having trouble fully opening your mouth, this could be a sign that you experience bruxism while asleep. In addition to wearing down the protective layer of enable, it can lead to a dangerous jaw dysfunction as well known as TMJ disorder. To learn more about this process and what steps you can take, contact our team today.

Ways to Prevent the Disorder

TMJ disorder occurs when the lower mandible becomes misaligned or dislocated from one or both of the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) from which it hinges to the cranium. As a result, a person who has TMJ disorder may experience a noticeable and potentially painful popping or clicking sensation in the jaw as it attempts to correct itself.

As the clicking or popping continues, patients can endure a significant amount of tissue damage, and it is for this reason that guided treatment is sought. Contact our team today to learn more.

Treatment That Can Help

The longer you wait to seek treatment, the more trouble you are likely to run into. Indeed, our team can discuss what options may be best for your case, including the benefits of guided splint therapy. What’s more? We can create a custom oral appliance to assist with your teeth-grinding so that your structures will remain protected while you slumber.

Book an Appointment

Contact The Dental Centre of Conroe in Conroe, TX by calling 936-441-4600 to schedule your next appointment with our team, and learn more about what you can do regarding TMJ disorder and dysfunction today.