You might not spend much time thinking about the amount of pressure placed against your teeth and jaws every single day. However, particularly when you overlook this factor, it can end up wreaking havoc on your oral health in a variety of ways. Did you know that keeping teeth and gums (and surrounding tissues) safe is partly reliant upon your ability to avoid unnecessary pressure and force? Yep. We are happy to give specific explanations, so you’re better equipped to avoid damage.
It Can Become A Functional Issue
First, let’s talk about the muscles, joints, ligaments, and other tissues that help the entire unit that makes up your smile function. One main component is your jaw joints, which we refer to as temporomandibular joints or TMJs. Since we’re talking about the ways things work, this is in reference to your mouth’s function. Here’s what can happen: You grind, clench, you eat foods that are too hard, you use your smile for too much and you strain your jaws. The result? It could become TMJ disorder, leaving you with pain, inflammation, and the need for oral health treatment.
It Can Become A Hygiene-Related Issue
Now, let’s consider what can happen when there’s too much force in your dental hygiene. Maybe you press when you brush or maybe you press very hard when you floss. In either case, this is bad news for your smile. The pressure and force can cause gums to recede. You may wear down your enamel. All of this ends with you experiencing oral health problems including gum issues, sensitivity, decay, and possibly more.
Learn How To Care For Your Smile With Us
Find out how to gently and thoroughly care for your smile with our tips, so you know how to maintain a functioning and beautiful grin. Visit us for a dental checkup in Ankeny, IA by contacting Dental Impressions to schedule a visit at (515) 965-0230.
