The first part of this series discussed prevention and some general information on gum disease prevention and maintenance. This second part talked about teeth. This last segment will discuss Bite, Muscles and TMJ (Temporo-Mandibular Joint).
Everything starts at the jaw joint (TMJ). If your jaw joint isn’t healthy it will affect how your muscles and teeth work. Ever have a pebble in your shoe and walk on it for a while? You compensate how you walk and your hip starts to bother you. Unfortunately, not enough Dentists evaluate the TM joint as a part of an exam.
When your teeth hit each other there are signals sent to your brain which in turn tell your muscles how to react. If there is not harmony of function (a pebble in your shoe), compensation starts. Signs and symptoms can include worn teeth, breaking and chipping teeth, jaws and muscles feeling sore, clicking or popping of the jaw joint, and headaches.
If a person has parafunction, defined as teeth touching when and where they are not supposed to, problems can magnify. Most parafunction happens at night when you may not even be aware. Parafunction can also affect the quality of sleep.
Prevention can help you keep your teeth a lifetime. But if all the systems aren’t evaluated and functioning correctly....something will break down.
Put yourself in someone’s hands that is comprehensive, thorough and has the time to take their time with you and explain the workings of your mouth and jaws.
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