Jaw Health: Interesting Things You May Not Know


Jaw Health: Interesting Things You May Not Know

By Wright Smiles

You think about your teeth. You worry about your gum tissue. However, it always seems that as long as you hop-to and eventually address problems associated with your oral health, nothing serious can happen. However, our Southlake, TX patients often fail to realize we are so passionate about preventive dental care and early restorative treatments because there are many consequences that can come from ignoring concerns. One of them you may not be aware of? Damage to your jaw health! Learn more, so you are ready to protect your whole smile with ease.

Losing Your Tooth Can Lead To Jaw Problems

You may think that losing your tooth is annoying and possibly embarrassing. You might even recognize that it can make your smile more vulnerable to problems like decay because keeping openings clean quickly feels like an uphill battle. What you overlook? Your tooth was keeping your jaw tissue safe! How, you ask? Well, the root pressed on your jawbone with each bite down. This sent a message to your brain to send your jaw tissue nutrients, so that it could keep supporting your tooth. When the tooth is suddenly gone, the message-sending stops, and your jaw may start to break down. Fortunately, you can fix this jaw health concern by replacing that root with a dental implant!

Chewing Habits And Disorders Exacerbate TMJ Issues

One type of common jaw health issue is called TMJ disorder. In short, it means that your jaw joints are in trouble. Remember, your jaw joint is also called your temporomandibular joint (or TMJ). When this type of disorder occurs, you want to let your jaw relax, rather than overwork it or place pressure on it. So, if you suffer from bruxism, you chew gum a lot, or you are a constant snack enthusiast, it may be time to change up your priorities (and you will definitely want to treat bruxism if it affects you).

Gum Disease Can Eventually Damage Jaw Tissue

When you think about gum disease, you know that it can damage your gums. It can make your teeth feel bad. It can lead to tooth loss! What you might not realize is that it’s because advanced periodontal disease can destroy your jaw tissue and ligaments, leading to tooth loss and serious jaw health issues. Treat it ASAP to prevent damage by seeing us.

Protect Your Jaw Health With Dental Care

Remember that just like for all areas of your smile, when you protect your oral health with preventive care and early treatments, you protect your jaw tissue. Maintain your grin with home and professional care. Schedule care with your Southlake, TX dentist today by calling Gregory Wright, DDS at (817) 481-7999. We gladly serve patients from Southlake and surrounding areas.