If you sometimes experience abrupt headaches and ear pain, you may be suffering from TMJ disorder. According to an article from The New York Times, almost three-fourths of Americans have one or more signs of TMJ disorder. The TMJ or temporomandibular joint is the area directly in front of the ear where the upper and lower jaws meet. Without the TMJ, it is almost impossible to perform functions such as biting, chewing, talking, and yawning. It is highly recommended to visit your physician or a Concord NC dentist like Dr. Cliff Compton if you are experiencing any difficulties.
TMJ disorders can be attributed to many factors. They can be caused by teeth grinding, which increases the wear on the cartilage lining of the TMJ; malocclusions which makes biting uncomfortable; habitual fingernail biting; trauma from accidents that have fractured the jawbones; and occupational tasks like holding a mobile phone between the head and shoulders. If left unattended, TMJ can significantly affect your lifestyle both professionally and personally. In addition, it can cause the teeth to deteriorate rapidly.
Anyone can develop TMJ disorders. It is more prevalent in women between the ages of 30 and 50. People who have chronic fatigue syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, or sleep disorders are also susceptible to this disorder. Fortunately, advances in technology and contemporary dentistry have developed methods that treat TMJ disorders. Listed below are some of the treatments a dentist Concord residents recommend can perform.
Occlusal Therapies
People can stop grinding and clenching their teeth during the daytime, but not when they’re unconscious or asleep. Dentists prescribe night time appliances like mouth guards to protect the patient’s TMJ from wearing out. Mouth guards can effectively reduce or eliminate teeth grinding. There’s nothing to worry about when putting on dental appliances as they are proven to be safe with only rare cases of side-effects.
Bite Corrections
Dentists can also perform a variety of corrective procedures to correct an abnormal bite. It can be in the form of dental bridges or crowns. Other than replacing missing teeth, dental bridges can restore and improve the bite’s function and a person’s smile. This is backed by a study conducted by The American Dental Association, which stated that bridges can reduce the risk of tooth loss, which prevents the jaw and face from becoming disfigured.
Dental problems are a part of daily life. They come up eventually, particularly when you least expect it. Never let the agony of unpleasant dental flaws get in the way of living. As long as there is a dentist Concord NC
residents can rely on, you’ll never have to endure dental problems or refrain from smiling.
