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What It Means to Have TMJ Disorder

Among the many different issues that can affect your dental health, things like tooth decay and gum disease are most common. That’s because they develop from oral bacteria, which naturally inhabit your mouth. Other issues, however, can develop from more complex reasons, such as jaw dysfunctions like TMJ disorder. When such a disorder develops, however, its presence can become glaringly obvious in the form of aches, pains, bite problems, and a host of other dental issues.

The Aches and Pains

TMJ disorder describes damage, misalignment, inflammation, and more in your one or both of your jaw joints, and as such, jaw pain is one of its most significant symptoms. For instance, the jaws can pop and click when you open and close your mouth, which can become increasingly more painful as time goes by. You might also experience painful and sore muscles in your jaw, face, shoulders, and more.

The Bite Problems

When your jaw joints are damaged, they can’t operate as smoothly as they need to open and close every time you bite and chew. Instead, your TMJs may have to shift to keep up with each other, which can exacerbate the problem further until you seek customized treatment.

The Dental Issues

The more difficult it is for your bite to function, the more problems can arise from improper bite pressure. For instance, teeth can become worn down and damaged due to one side of your jaw exhibiting more pressure than the other. The pressure can also cause gum tissues to recede, leaving them more vulnerable to gum disease.

Fix Your TMJ Disorder with Customized Treatment

TMJ disorder can mean something different for everyone, so treating it requires a detailed diagnosis and customized solution from your dentist. To learn more, schedule an appointment by calling Lathrop Dental Center in Katy, TX at 832-437-3849. We proudly welcome patients and families from Katy, Fulshear, Weston Lakes, Simonton, Richmond, Rosenberg, Brookshire, Wallis, Orchard, Cypress, Sealy, Columbus, and all surrounding communities.