If we think about oral health, we might focus solely on our teeth. However, your oral health is much more complicated. Your teeth, soft tissues, and jaw all make up the puzzle pieces that make up your oral health. If there is an issue with one piece, there is a problem with the rest of the puzzle. One important part of your oral health is your jaw.
Why Your Jaw Is Important
For many reasons, your jaw influences your oral health. For example, your jawbone determines the alignment of your teeth. It creates the foundation for a beautifully aligned smile. When your jaw is in sync, your teeth work together seamlessly.
The joint that connects your jaw to your skull is the TMJ– temporomandibular joint. It is essentially the unsung hero behind your ability to chew, speak, and even express yourself. If your TMJ isn’t happy, you might experience jaw pain, clicking sounds, or even headaches. The dysfunction of your jaw joint is called temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD); however, most patients simply call this issue TMJ.
Unraveling TMJ Symptoms
You can experience a wide range of issues with TMJ. Do you wake up with jaw pain or tenderness throughout the day? TMJ issues can often manifest as discomfort in the jaw joint. Many patients complain of jaw pain and tenderness.
Furthermore, you may notice clicking or popping sounds. A clicking or popping sound when you open or close your mouth can be a sign of TMJ issues. Without treatment, this can worsen over time. Additionally, you can face challenges with chewing.
Another problem that may arise is earaches or headaches. TMJ issues can radiate pain to the surrounding areas. As a result, this can lead to headaches or earaches. In severe cases, the jaw may lock in an open or closed position. This can affect your ability to speak and eat.
Comprehensive Analysis and Treatment
Your well-being is our top-priority. Therefore, our team goes beyond the surface to conduct a thorough exam and evaluation of your TMJ. Additionally, we assess your overall oral health to understand what is causing your jaw issues.
Your bite, or the way your upper and lower teeth come together, is a crucial part of your oral health. An imbalanced bite can contribute or worsen TMJ issues. This can affect your jaw joint as well as the surrounding muscles and teeth.
Our team uses advanced diagnostic tools and techniques to analyze your bite thoroughly. this involves assessing how your teeth meet when you close your mouth. As a result, we can identify any misalignments or irregularities.
Treating the Entire Picture
TMJ issues are often connected with various elements of your oral health. Treating only the symptoms may provide temporary relief. However, a comprehensive approach addresses the root causes, offering long-lasting results.