When you think of the dentist, oral health, or dental health, it’s likely that you think of fillings, root canals, tooth loss, cavities, routine cleanings, and other things commonly associated with the dentist’s office. While these are definitely well-known dental-related problems, there are plenty of other dental health conditions that a patient can suffer from, such as TMJ disorder. Though TMJ isn’t a widely-known problem, it is said to affect millions of Americans. TMJ symptoms may include neck pain, headaches, jaw pain, and several more.
TMJ disorder may seem to come on quickly, but there are plenty of signs that the problem may be lurking; and if these signs are acted upon properly, TMJ can be prevented. For example, patients who grind or clench their teeth are at a higher risk of suffering from TMJ. This is because the elevated amounts of stress and pressure placed on the teeth cause damage to the dentition. When clenching and grinding is left untreated, the continuing damage can lead to TMJ.Treating nightly grinding and clenching only requires that the patient wear a mouth guard to protect the teeth from excessive wear and tear. To prevent TMJ, patients have to be aware of problems, such as grinding and clenching, that can create a pathway to even more oral health issues. Awareness combined with early detection is crucial to preventing TMJ disorder.
Awareness Means Prevention
Through awareness of TMJ disorder and treatable dental problems that can be addressed immediately, this painful problem can be prevented altogether. The key to avoiding any problem with your jaw joint is to treat oral health problems that could weaken the teeth and therefore weaken the jaw joint.
To learn more about TMJ prevention and treatment, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Dunayer’s office today. Patients can reach us by phone or by email to schedule an appointment.
