Teeth grinding (bruxism) is a major contributing factor to TMD. Sleep disorders like sleep apnea have also been associated with a higher risk of developing TMD.
If your jaw hurts and you’re not sure why, this could be caused by TMD. Your jaw also may feel stiff, and you may have difficulty chewing.
In some cases, TMD can cause “clicking” and “popping” noises when you open and close your mouth, especially if you try to open your mouth widely. This could indicate TMJ dysfunction.
If you have trouble opening your mouth all the way, this could be TMD. In some cases, TMD can even cause jaw locking, where your jaw gets stuck in a certain position due to a dysfunction of the TMJ.
Because the TMJ is located right below your ear, pain caused by the TMJ can sometimes spread into the rest of your face. TMD can cause headaches, earaches, and significant discomfort.
TMD can be caused by lots of different things. For example, direct trauma to the TMJ can damage it and cause temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Overuse is also a contributing factor. If you grind your teeth or have a gum-chewing habit, this could place lots of stress on the joint and cause TMD. Other contributing factors may include an unhealthy bite, connective tissue disorders, and certain types of arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis.
One common treatment for TMD is known as oral appliance therapy, or OAT. This involves using a special mouthguard to change the position of the jaw during sleep, allowing the TMJ to heal and relieving the symptoms of TMD.
At Candelas Dentistry, we also offer Botox for TMD. Botox is an effective treatment for many patients who are suffering from TMD. When it’s injected into certain facial muscles, Botox paralyzes the muscles, relieves jaw tension, and helps promote healing.
Every patient is different, so it’s important to see an experienced TMD dentist in Arvada to get the help you need. Dr. Kim is here for you, and she has helped many patients overcome TMD, restore their oral health, and live pain-free lives. Schedule a consultation at our office now to get started.
Perio maintenance appointments occur every 3 months to keep bacteria at bay.
Gum disease is commonly split into three different “stages.” The first stage is called “gingivitis.” In this stage of the disease, there is no permanent damage to your teeth or gums, and you can completely reverse and eliminate gum disease with proper care. Common symptoms of this include bleeding when brushing, inflamed and discolored gums, and halitosis (bad breath).
If left untreated, however, gingivitis will advance to the second stage of gum disease, known as “periodontitis.” This stage of gum disease is not reversible, but can be halted and controlled to keep your teeth and gums healthy with proper intervention. Symptoms usually include lengthening of the teeth (gum recession), sensitive or sore teeth and gums, excessive gum bleeding, and very swollen or puffy gums.
The final stage is “advanced periodontitis,” which causes permanent damage to your teeth, gums, and jaw bone. Common symptoms include pus forming between the teeth and gums, shifting of the teeth, changes in your bite, or the loosening of one or more teeth. Surgical intervention is usually necessary to treat this issue. In the most severe cases, your teeth may need to be extracted and replaced with false teeth like dentures or dental implants.
No. Gum disease is not contagious. It’s caused by bacteria that are present in all of our mouths. However, in a healthy mouth, these bacteria do not reproduce uncontrollably in a way that causes gum disease. Gum disease occurs when poor oral hygiene allows bacteria to reproduce, or if a patient is genetically predisposed to gum disease.
Gum disease is caused by bad bacteria flourishing in the mouth. This can happen because of poor oral hygiene. For instance, failing to brush and floss properly means that the bacteria that are present in your mouth will begin to reproduce and form plaque and tartar between your teeth and your gums. Over time, these bacteria begin to attack and infect your gum tissue. Eventually, this infection will cause permanent, irreversible damage to your oral health unless you maintain proper care.
It’s also possible that your genetics will influence the likelihood of gum disease. If you have gum disease, your doctor will be able to determine the cause and the best methods to protect against it.
Gum disease affects more than just your oral health. It can also contribute to inflammation in other parts of your body, and raise the risk of health problems like heart disease, atherosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries), and even stroke. For these reasons, it’s very important to get help for gum disease right away. If you believe you have gum disease please visit our office located at 14749 West 87th Pkwy, Unit C, Arvada, CO 80005.
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