All Coast Dental in Pacific Beach is proud to provide for the general dental needs for all kinds of patients. One problem with implications for patients’ dental stability, sensitivity, and function is temporomandibular joint disorder. Also known as TMD, temporomandibular joint disorder is especially common in people who suffer from autoimmune disorders such as rheumatism and lupus, and compounds their other oral health problems.
The temporomandibular joints are what connect the lower jaw to the head. They are complex joints, able to move in all directions, and we need them to be able to speak and chew correctly. When people clench their jaw, their teeth may be ground down and pushed out of place. The loss of enamel would leave their teeth less protected from heat and decay, and their jaw would be sore.
When a person has an autoimmune disease, their own immune system attacks their body. In people with rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, the immune system is attacking the lining of the temporomandibular joints, triggering inflammation. A rheumatologist can provide assistance by prescribing anti-inflammatory medications, but our dental office can also shield the teeth from grinding. We’ll fit the patient for a night guard, which is an oral appliance worn in the mouth at night to hold the jaw in place and prevent the teeth from rubbing together. We can also teach stretching exercises that will loosen the jaw, and provide prosthetic replacements for damaged teeth.
Drs. Julie and Joseph Boulos operate All Coast Dental at 2180 Garnet Ave, Suite 1-K, Pacific Beach, California, 92109. To schedule an appointment, call 858-270-4904 or visit All Coast Dental and fill out a contact sheet.
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