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Sweet Teeth and Dental Health

Posted on 2/6/2023 by Dr. Christianne Lee

TMJ jaw is responsible for chewing, swallowing, yawning, and speaking as it connects the skull's temporal bone, facilitating normal body functions. Disorders associated with TMJ joints hinder significant body functions and result in extreme discomfort and pain in the teeth and joints. Dentists advise avoiding some minimal yet crucial activities that form part of the TMJ disorders.

Nails Biting

As unsanitary as it sounds to many people, some still bite their nails due to anxiety. The nail is meant to be done by specific tools available in the shops. However, most people still use their teeth to do them. Biting your nails increases the chances of having TMJ disorders due to the pressure you exert on your teeth which wears down your joints. The net result of the frequent biting of your nails is the TMJ implications on your dental care and the pain associated with the same. Consider cutting down your nails with nail cutters or any other specified tools.

Jaw Clenching

Most people have the habit of clenching their teeth due to chronic stress and anxiety. While awake clenching of the teeth is manageable to many, sleep clenching proves to be quite hard to avoid as one performs the actions unknowingly. Clenching often results in excessive pressure on the teeth, which is then transferred to the joints resulting in pain and inflammations. Our dentists use nightguards to help alleviate the problem when asleep. During the day, one can manage their stress or visit our offices for further medications.

Aggressive Chewing

Aggressive chewing has similar effects as clenching of the jaw in that it overuses the joints, contributing to jaw pains. Nonetheless, aggressive chewing may transfer stress and pain to other parts such as the neck and the head. Aggressive chewing may be brought by habitual chewing outside meal time, such as gum and khat chewing, as well as long pencil chewing. This results in jaw pains and discomfort hence TMJ disorders.

If you experience similar symptoms, please visit our offices for quality treatment. Call us today.

Dr. Christianne Lee

5394 Walnut Ave Suite E
Irvine, California 92604-2505

(949) 656-2933

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