If you have chronic jaw and facial pain, it is important to visit your dentist for a comprehensive exam. Because it can be often difficult to detect the source of the pain the dentist may have to perform various tests to pinpoint the problem. Jaw and facial pain could be linked to the slow wear and tear and deterioration of your teeth and gums over time or to an accident or injury. If you are suffering from any sinus problems, arthritis or infections, you could be at an increased risk for jaw and facial pain. Furthermore, several oral health issues can contribute to jaw and facial pain, including toothaches, bruxism, TMJ disorders and periodontal disease. Several treatments are available to improve your smile. This could include medications such or anti-inflammatory drugs,muscle relaxants or muscle therapy and exercises. A night guard may also help.

Would you like to know more about jaw and facial pain? With treatments at our office, we can make sure you receive the oral health care you need. If you would like to schedule an appointment to visit us at our dental office in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Dr. Joseph Szymczak and our team can be reached by calling us at 616-453-0002.

The post Knowledge Foundation: Jaw and Facial Pain first appeared on MI Roots Family Dental.

– Have you ever been told that you snore or grind and clench your teeth loudly?
– Do you have teeth that look flattened or chipped and loose?
– Is your tooth enamel worn down leading to an increase in tooth sensitivity?
– Do you ever experience jaw pain or soreness when you wake up?
– Do you have any damage to the insides of your cheeks from unconsciously chewing on them through the night?
– Have you been diagnosed with sleep apnea or TMJ?
– Do you ever have pain that feels like an earache, but it’s not caused by your ear?
– Do you have any indentations on your tongue?
– Do you have a locked jaw that won’t open or close completely?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be at an increased risk for bruxism. Our team is here to help you with all your oral health needs. For a complete diagnosis from Dr. Joseph Szymczak and our team at our dentist office in Grand Rapids, Michigan, you can schedule an appointment by calling us at 616-453-0002. We look forward to helping you smile.

The post Do You Experience Any of the Following Symptoms of Bruxism? first appeared on MI Roots Family Dental.

There can be many different causes of bruxism. For example TMJD can be the cause of bruxism, because the TMJ controls your mouth’s ability to open and shut your jaw. If something is wrong with your TMJ, your teeth could grind. Other causes can include acid reflux, sleep disorders, misaligned teeth, and anxiety and stress.

While it may be difficult to assess exactly what causes bruxism, there are a few treatment options available. For instance, a common treatment from bruxism is a custom made mouthguard. However, if your bruxism is mild, treatment won’t usually be necessary. However, a dentist may also correct misaligned teeth or help you address your other issues.

While bruxism may not seem like a serious issue, it can lead to significant trouble—and can be difficult to recognize. To help you avoid these problems, we encourage you to schedule frequent checkups with our team.

If you think you may have bruxism, or are simply interested in scheduling a checkup, please don’t hesitate to contact MI Roots Family Dental at 616-453-0002. Dr. Joseph Szymczak and our team will gladly answer any questions you may have. We’re excited to hear from you!

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