Here are a few signs and symptoms that might be trying to tell you that you have an improper
bite and need treatment to feel better!

Your Teeth Don’t Align

Sometimes detecting an improper bite is as simple as noticing that the teeth are crooked or do
not line up properly, or, are uncomfortable when smiling. In fact, seeing an improper bite may
be most apparent when you smile, although not everyone will have a noticeable misaligned
bite. Your dentist will be able to tell and help you with treatment or can refer you to an
orthodontist for treatment if necessary.

You Have Jaw Pain

When your upper and lower jaw don’t quite fit together, it can put more pressure on the joint
that connects your jaw to your skull. Most patients have heard of this joint, called the
temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Improper bites play a big role in TMJ pain and symptoms,
making it important to address the root cause of your discomfort rather than just living with the
problem.

An improper bite can cause the joint to become strained and can put pressure on the joint,
which can cause sore jaw muscles, jaw pain, and even headaches. If you’re experiencing any of
these symptoms, an improper bite may be to blame!

You Grind Your Teeth

Teeth grinding, also referred to as bruxism, is an unfortunate common habit. It’s also one that’s
extremely dangerous to your smile and can cause irreversible wear on your natural teeth. If you
have a misaligned bite, you may be more likely to grind your teeth since your teeth won’t fit
together properly.

Since bruxism can cause premature wear of the teeth, tooth sensitivity, inflamed gum tissue,
and even tooth loss, you should never wait to seek help this worrying habit that could be a
symptom of an improper bite!

You Have Uneven Tooth Wear

Teeth that fit together in a proper bite should wear evenly as the years go by. Teeth that don’t
fit together will often experience uneven tooth wear, which can cause some teeth to wear
down more than others. Unfortunately, this premature wear can also cause tooth sensitivity
and decay. When the enamel is worn away, your tooth is no longer protected, which gives rise
to a host of dental problems. A misaligned bite is often to blame for uneven tooth wear.

Fortunately, many children receive orthodontic care which can correct their bite as they enter
adulthood. However, it’s never too late to receive the care you need to correct your bite even
as an adult. Schedule a consultation with your dentist or orthodontist today to discover if the
symptoms you’re experiencing are resulting from an improper bite that can be treated!

The post How Do I Know If I Have an Improper Bite? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

A TMJ disorder is best diagnosed by a professional dentist who can evaluate the signs and
symptoms of your TMJ pain and talk with you about treatment. In the meantime, what are the
signs that a person might have a TMJ disorder?

Clicking or Popping Noises in Your Jaw

One of the most common signs that a person has an issue with their TMJ is a cracking, clicking,
or popping noise in the jaw. This noise is most commonly heard when opening or closing your
mouth, such as when speaking or chewing.

These noises can not only be aggravating, but usually come with some discomfort as well,
making them a sign of TMJ disorders that shouldn’t be ignored.

Jaw Pain or Additional Pain

People who suffer from a TMJ disorder commonly have jaw pain or other pain that radiates
tension throughout their head, neck, and in some cases, even the shoulders and back. When
the joint isn’t able to function properly, the jaw muscles surrounding the joint can become
tense and sore.

This tension can then radiate outwards and cause everything from jaw pain to headaches and
neck and back pain. Even earaches have been associated with TMJ pain, so don’t hesitate to
talk with your dentist if you’re having unexplained pain in your jaw that’s affecting other areas
of your body.

You Have Unexplainable Medical Problems

If you have medical problems that can’t be explained by any other cause, it might be a TMJ
disorder. These conditions may include:

* Chronic ear pain or infections. If these infections or pain don’t have any specific cause, it might be time to get your TMJ checked out—this joint is located very close to the ear and can cause problems!

* Ringing in the ears. If you have tinnitus without any definitive cause, this could be the result of a TMJ disorder as well.

* Bruxism. If you grind your teeth, you may be seeing signs of a TMJ disorder. Bruxism can happen for people who have a misaligned bite and can put excessive pressure on the jaw, therefore aggravating your TMJ. In addition, grinding your teeth can also be caused by tension in your jaw and therefore be a sign of a problem with your TMJ.

* Migraines. Tension headaches or migraines have long been associated with problems
with the TMJ. Any unexplained or persistent migraines may warrant an exam from your dentist!

Don’t wait to get any of the above problems evaluated to see if TMJ could be the culprit!

Are you seeing signs of a TMJ disorder in your daily life? Your dentist can examine your jaw as
well as your bite to provide you with a more specific diagnosis. Make an appointment with your
dentist today—TMJ disorders are treatable and you don’t have to suffer from these signs and
symptoms!

The post How Do I Know if I Have TMJ? What Are the Signs? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders

You’ve likely heard of TMJ disorders, where a misalignment, trauma, or incorrect bite could result in jaw pain and odd sounds. People often experience clicking or popping noises when opening and closing their mouth in addition to headaches, jaw tightness, and even teeth grinding as a result of these conditions.

These disorders can be very uncomfortable, but fortunately, your dentist may be able to help! Talk to your dentist about any jaw pain including any tension or tightness that you’re experiencing. He or she can perform a simple jaw exam to determine if your bite or your temporomandibular joint could be the problem.

Stress or Anxiety

Many people are taught to keep their emotions to themselves and deal with feelings such as anxiety or stress inwardly. This can lead to tension throughout the body, and you may experience this tension in your jaw muscles. When you’re under pressure or feeling stressed out, you may tighten your jaw in response to these stressors, leading to jaw tightness and tension.

There are other ways to handle stress and anxiety rather than placing the pressure on your jaw or your muscles. This type of tension could lead to dull headaches or even intense migraines and can worsen your existing stress. Talk to your doctor or your dentist about healthy habits for handling stress rather than taking that tension in your jaw!

Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)

Do you know if you grind your teeth? Teeth grinding is a common habit that many people aren’t aware they have. Whether you grind your teeth in times of stress or even while sleeping, this could be the sneaky culprit behind your jaw tightness and tension. Bruxism is the technical name for teeth grinding, and bruxism can be extremely damaging to your teeth and put immense pressure on your jaw.

If you grind your teeth at night, you may wake up with jaw pain, a dull headache, or even sore teeth and gums. Since bruxism puts so much pressure on your teeth, this can lead to chips and fractures, enamel erosion, and inflammation, all of which can increase your risk for tooth loss over time. Talk to your dentist about bruxism—he or she can perform an exam and determine if you’re exhibiting signs of teeth grinding that can benefit from treatment.

You don’t have to live with jaw tightness and tension. These symptoms often point to a larger problem that can easily be addressed with your dentist. No one should have to live with pain, so talk to your dentist about your jaw aches and tension to see what’s causing it. There is treatment for bruxism, stress, and TMJ disorders!

The post Jaw Tightness and Tension: What Does It Mean? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.