You may know that there are a number of factors that can influence your oral health, but have you heard that common issues might also have a negative impact on your oral health? For instance, did you know that the medicines you take, the foods you eat, and your age can all affect your oral health? Stress might also lead to problems like TMJ disorder.
Your temporomandibular joint connects your upper jaw to your lower jaw. This important joint is also responsible for your jaw movements. If you have TMJ disorder, you might struggle with simple movements, may not be able to open or close your jaw entirely, could experience discomfort or clicking when you open your mouth, or your jaw may become stuck.
TMJ disorder can also cause headaches and bruxism, which is also known as teeth grinding. If you grind your pearly whites, which is a fairly common response to stress, you could be more likely to have TMJ disorder. TMJ disorder might also cause headaches and sore or tired jaws.
If you’re concerned about TMJ disorder, there are several things you might consider doing. When you visit our office, we might recommend a custom oral appliance designed to fit in your smile. Reducing stress might also help you avoid these issues.  If you’re interested in hearing more about dealing with TMJ in Cedar City, Utah, please don’t hesitate to contact Gentle Family Dentistry & Orthodontics at 435-586-9991. We’re excited to meet with you!