When we talk about oral health, most people only think about the teeth and gums. Without your jawbones, however, your teeth and gums could never do their jobs. How exactly does the jaw support your overall dental health and what are typical jawbone emergencies?
The Jaw and Oral Health
Just as a foundation supports a house, your jawbone supports your entire mouth. It keeps your teeth anchored in place and lined up so that they work together comfortably and evenly when biting and chewing. If the jaw weakens or shifts, even a little bit, the teeth don’t perform their job as well. Over time, this causes uneven wear to the teeth, unnecessary strain on the jaw, and discomfort while chewing.
The jaw also contains the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This joint connects the lower jaw to the skull, allowing your mouth to open and close up and down while also moving side to side. If the jaw is misaligned or strained for any reason, it places excess pressure on this joint, causing clicking or popping sounds, jaw pain, headaches, and eventually limited mouth movement.
Your jaw also plays a large part in your speech and appearance. A jaw that is healthy and properly aligned enables proper pronunciation and articulation. In addition, the jawbone provides the structure for your face. Jawbone loss or misalignment subtly changes facial balance and profile, affecting both comfort and confidence. Regular dental visits allow your dentist to monitor your jaw alignment, joint health, and bone stability, addressing any problems as they appear.
When Jaw Pain is a Dental Emergency
Jaw injuries don’t always seem serious at first, but they shouldn’t be ignored. After a fall, accident, or impact, swelling, bruising, pain, or difficulty opening your mouth often indicate damage to the jaw or the TMJ. Seeking and receiving treatment early helps stop the pain from becoming a long-term problem and allows the jaw to heal properly so that it continues to support your overall dental health.
If you experience jaw pain without an obvious impact or trauma, prompt attention is necessary. In addition to issues with the TMJ, jaw pain can also be caused by tumors or abscesses. Diagnosing and solving all of these problems as quickly as possible is vital for preserving your jaw health.
Trusted Jaw Care
At Paramount Dental, we know that your jaw health impacts your overall comfort and quality of life. If you are experiencing jaw pain or discomfort, especially after an injury, our team is here to help. We offer prompt emergency dental care 24/7. Contact Paramount Dental today to schedule an appointment or learn more about our comprehensive dental and emergency services.
