Living with untreated TMJ (temporomandibular joint) or TMD (temporomandibular disorder) can harm more than just your jaw—it can seriously impact your dental health. At Sheridan Dental Group, located in Grove City, we specialize in diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders to prevent long-term damage to your teeth. Left unmanaged, TMJ-related problems can lead to issues like grinding, enamel wear, cracks, and even tooth loss. Here’s how untreated TMJ/TMD can wreak havoc on your oral health and how professional care can help.
How TMJ/TMD Affects Your Teeth
Excessive Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
One of the most common consequences of TMJ/TMD is bruxism, or unconscious clenching and grinding of the teeth. When the jaw joint is misaligned, the surrounding muscles overcompensate, leading to excessive pressure. Over time, this grinding can take a toll on your teeth.
Enamel Wear and Tooth Sensitivity
Constant grinding wears down the protective enamel layer on your teeth, exposing the softer dentin underneath. This not only increases tooth sensitivity but also makes your teeth more vulnerable to cavities and decay.
Chipped or Cracked Teeth
Did you know that the pressure from TMJ-related grinding can be powerful enough to cause fractures? Small cracks or chips can weaken teeth over time, potentially leading to bigger dental issues like infections or loss of the tooth itself.
Uneven Tooth Wear
An imbalanced bite caused by TMJ misalignment subjects certain teeth to more pressure than others, wearing them down faster. This uneven wear can alter your bite further, compounding your discomfort and dental problems.
Tooth Loss in Severe Cases
If left untreated, TMJ-related damage can weaken teeth to the point of failure. Severe grinding and misalignment place long-term stress on your teeth, risking eventual tooth loss. Addressing TMJ/TMD now can safeguard your smile for years to come.
Additional Oral Health Issues from Untreated TMJ/TMD
Gum Recession
Chronic clenching doesn’t stop at harming your teeth—it also stresses your gums. Over time, constant pressure can cause gum recession, leaving roots exposed and increasing your risk of periodontal disease.
Bite Changes and Misalignment
As TMJ disorder progresses, your jaw’s alignment can shift further, altering how your teeth come together. This can make it even harder to chew comfortably and exacerbate uneven wear.
Higher Cavity Risk
By wearing down enamel, TMJ/TMD exposes your teeth to decay. Damaged or weakened enamel allows bacteria to penetrate more easily, leading to cavities.
When to Seek Treatment for TMJ/TMD
Look out for persistent symptoms like jaw pain, tension headaches, or clicking and popping sounds when you chew. If these symptoms interfere with daily life, it’s time to consider treatment. Dental solutions often succeed where other approaches fall short. At Sheridan Dental Group in Grove City, we offer expert care to address TMJ/TMD and its associated dental complications.
TMJ Treatment Options at Sheridan Dental Group
Our team provides customized solutions to relieve TMJ/TMD symptoms and prevent dental damage, including:
- Custom Nightguards
Protect your teeth from grinding and clenching during sleep by wearing a customized nightguard tailored for comfort and durability.
- Bite Alignment Therapy
Restoring balance to your bite can alleviate jaw pressure and reduce uneven tooth wear.
- Muscle Relaxation Techniques
We incorporate techniques to relax the muscles around your jaw, easing tension and improving function.
- Comprehensive TMJ Evaluations
Our in-depth evaluations help diagnose the root causes of your TMJ/TMD and create personalized treatment plans for long-term relief.
Protect Your Smile—Seek Help for TMJ/TMD
Ignoring TMJ/TMD may result in severe dental damage, but with early intervention, you can protect your teeth, gums, and overall oral health. Take control of your jaw health today and prevent long-term issues.
Schedule a consultation at Sheridan Dental Group in Grove City to explore options for treating TMJ/TMD and preserving your smile.
Contact Sheridan Dental:
614-875-8085
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
3276 Park St
Grove City, Ohio
43123
