If you are missing one or more of your teeth, things like eating, speaking clearly, and smiling with confidence can be challenging. Fortunately, there are multiple tooth replacement options out there that can restore the function and appearance of the teeth. Dental bridges are a great solution for those who are missing one or a couple of consecutive teeth, but they do have a small chance of failing. Here’s how this can happen and what you can do to avoid them.

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint that connects your lower jaw to the skull. These joints are located in front of each of the ears. When these joints aren’t functioning properly, this is called TMJ disfunction, or TMD. In addition to causing discomfort of the jaw, it can also lead to pain in other areas, like the head and ears. If you are frequently experiencing discomfort associated with TMJ, this is something to bring up with your dentist. Until then, here are some steps you can take at home to relieve TMD-related pain.