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What Causes TMJ Disorder?

September 15, 2014

Filed under: General Dentistry,TMJ DIsorder — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — robisondental @ 8:31 pm

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If you are suffering from headaches or chronic migraines, a disorder of the jaw joint, or the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ), may be the culprit. Dr. Robison offers comprehensive treatment and prevention therapy of TMJ disorders. He can evaluate your symptoms to determine if they are caused by a TMJ disorder. But what exactly causes a TMJ disorder in the first place?

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder Explained

Imagine the skull as two separate bone parts joined together by a network of joints and muscles. The lower part, or jaw, hinges upon the upper part of the skull through the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ). When you open and close your mouth, the jaw bone rotates in its socket as your teeth part and then come back together. It’s at this point that things can go wrong.

When you bite down, your teeth are supposed to come into contact at the same time. However, for some people, their back teeth might come together before their front teeth. To avoid the pain that occurs when a bite is uneven, the brain and jaw muscles compensate. The jaw bone is pulled out of its socket to ensure that your teeth come together evenly. While you’re sleeping, this compensation causes clenching and grinding, and your jawbone stays out of its socket all night. These muscles eventually fatigue and your TMJ deteriorates leading to spasms and inflammation. You might also experience clicking and popping sounds and chronic aches and pains in the head, face and neck.

TMJ Disorder Treatment

Early detection can prevent joint deterioration and get rid of the pain and discomfort it causes. Your dentist can customize a special orthotic plate for you to wear a night, which can stabilize the jaw joint relationship, alleviating the symptoms of TMJ disorder and preventing any further deterioration. If you suspect that your headaches and jaw discomfort symptoms could be caused by a TMJ disorder, contact Dr. Robison today to schedule a TMJ disorder consultation. Dr. Robinson proudly serves patients throughout Canton, MI community, including Ann Arbor, Northville, Westland, Plymouth and the surrounding areas.

Your Health and Inflammation

June 4, 2013

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , — robisondental @ 7:12 am

In our last post, we talked about the connection between hormone changes and oral health. Today we’d like to talk about another connection between oral and overall health. In this case, it has to do with the impact that stress can have.

Today, more than at any other point, our culture is driven by work and by staying plugged in. Regardless of where your stress comes from, though, it can contribute to inflammation in the body, including in your smile.

Inflammation is one of the body’s immune responses. As a natural response, it can do good work. But too much stress can interfere with the body’s ability to properly regulate inflammation. As a result, inflammation can actually become like a weapon the body uses against itself. That has consequences for your overall health, which includes your oral health. In 2012, the ADG reported that a definite link between stress and dental health exists. In their research, they point to problems with the immune system as a cause.

What this means for our Canton, MI patients is that following a good oral health routine is important. Dr. Robison recommends a regular routine of brushing twice a day, flossing at least once, and rinsing with an antibacterial or fluoride mouthwash. You should also visit Robison Dental Group twice a year, or about every six months.

Call us today to schedule an appointment. Our Canton office serves patients from Ann Arbor, Northville, Westland, Plymouth, and beyond.