Chronic pain in your jaw is not something you should just learn to live with. Discomfort rooted in problems with your temporomandibular joints (known as TMJs) can be addressed effectively by your dentist. Relief may only be a matter of receiving a special mouth guard, which holds your jaw in a more comfortable position during sleep. There could be other issues that are leading to this discomfort. When you communicate with your dentist about oral discomfort, you can receive the care you need to find relief. Routine dental checkups are your chance to convey any concerns you may have about your teeth, gums, or jaw.
Why Bruxism And TMJ Problems Are Often Linked
One possible cause of TMJ problems is bruxism, a condition where you will routinely clench your jaw. It is important to note that this tends to be an unconscious action, and can tend to happen while you sleep. Not only can addressing bruxism help with TMJ problems, it can also protect you from dental damage that can result when you grind your teeth.
Can Tooth Loss Cause Me To Suffer TMJ Problems?
A missing tooth can prevent you from chewing and biting food in a way that feels natural. If you spend too much time moving your jaw in ways that feel unnatural, TMJ issues can develop. A dental bridge can help you re-establish a more natural jaw function by replacing the lost tooth with a stable prosthetic.
Letting Your Dentist Know About Tooth And Jaw Pain
Always let your dentist know if you are dealing with tooth or jaw pain. It could be a sign of something that needs treatment. For instance, a sensitive tooth could require a root canal. Leave it alone for too long, and you could lose that tooth!
