Looking and feeling your best comes down to several points, and one of the most important is your smile. Indeed, a bright and vibrant smile is often indicative of excellent oral health, higher confidence, and a more optimistic overall outlook on life. Though your smile’s appearance is important, it is also necessary to make considerations about your oral health and the many concerns that can complicate it. In today’s blog, your North Hollywood, CA dentist discusses the influence of chronic teeth grinding on your oral health and how we help treat bruxism and TMJ disorder.

When Teeth Grinding is Chronic

It goes without saying that your smile’s health is one of the most important factors to consider when seeking treatment. After all, there are several factors out there that can pose a threat to your health, and unfortunately, there are not nearly as many natural defenses in place. From tooth decay to gum disease and everything else in-between, our smiles could use all of the help they can get.

Some common concerns you are on the lookout for include tooth decay, gum disease, and any signs of infection. In addition to these issues, however, there are nontraditional issues that can complicate matters further. For instance, grinding your teeth can cause the surfaces to wear down over time, making it more likely that you will develop an infection or more brittle structures.

Grinding your teeth every once-in-awhile, though unfavorable, is not as large of a concern as chronic teeth grinding. In fact, bruxism not only leads to immediate effects, but it can contribute to the development of a dangerous jaw dysfunction known as TMJ disorder. To learn more about this issue and how our team can help, give us a call today.

Development of a Jaw Dysfunction

Untreated bruxism will lead right into TMJ disorder, a jaw dysfunction that occurs when your lower jaw becomes misaligned with one or both of the two temporomandibular joints at which it hinges to the cranium.

TMJ disorder is often characterized by an incessant popping or clicking sensation in the jaw, and many times this can be painful. It can also lead to tissue damage and difficulty fully opening your mouth for routine tasks such as biting, chewing, and eating.

Looking at Oral Appliance Solutions

TMJ disorder and chronic teeth grinding are no joke, but fortunately, our team has solutions to help with both. A custom oral appliance can protect your teeth from grinding, while splint therapy can be used to help gradually and carefully guide your jaw back into place. Make sure to ask our team the next time you visit to learn more.

Learn More Today

Contact Modern Smiles in North Hollywood, CA by calling 818-763-9353 to learn more about the dangerous effects of TMJ disorder and untreated teeth grinding, and schedule your next appointment today.