Having Whiplash Could Also Damage Your Teeth

Posted on 8/9/2021 by Pacific Maxillofacial Center

Getting whiplash in an accident can also traumatize your teeth. Therefore, if you experience any type of trauma, you should schedule an exam to have your teeth, jawbone, and gums checked. To understand how whiplash can affect the teeth and jawbone, you first need to define whiplash.

What Is Whiplash?

While whiplash is often associated with car accidents, it also can develop from getting hit in a sports activity. Whiplash, otherwise known as neck strain, decreases the range of motion, and can lead to tightness in the neck. It can also cause pain when you rock your head back and forth or from side to side. The condition often causes muscle tenderness and headaches.

How Whiplash Can Affect the Jaw Which Leads to Tooth Problems

Whiplash may negatively affect the temporomandibular joint, leading to TMJD or TMD (both which refer to a disorder of the temporomandibular joint). Whiplash victims often notice TMD symptoms a while after an accident. Whiplash may cause a condition where you feel spasms in the jaw muscles that are exceptionally painful from time to time.

Jaw Symptoms from Whiplash

If your jaw has become damaged because of whiplash, you may experience one or more symptoms, including pain in or around the jaw joints, popping or clicking of the jaw joints, or limited opening or locking of the mouth. Some patients have problems with bringing their teeth together in proper alignment. When this happens, it can put a strain on the dentition, leading to tooth decay or tooth damage.

How to Fix the Problem

We can assist you in fixing the damage that whiplash may have caused to your jaw and teeth. To get a better understanding of your condition, we will need to examine the jaw and dentition so we can proceed with a treatment plan. We can get a better idea by x-raying your gums and teeth. While some cases of jaw damage may require the fitting of an orthotic device, other therapies may require surgery, depending on the extent of the damage.

Do you experience neck strain? Have you had an accident that led to whiplash? If so, you need to see us if you are having problems with your jaw. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment for an exam.

Honolulu

1060 Young St #312
Honolulu, HI 96814-1604

Contact

Office: 808-585-8455
Email: Send us an Email

Office hours

Mon-Fri 8:00am to 5:00pm

Waipi'o

94-1221 Ka Uka Blvd #B-204
Waipahu, HI 96797

Contact

Office: 808-676-9560
Email: Send us an Email

Office hours

Mon-Fri 8:00am to 5:00pm

About Us
For Patients
Testimonials

Our Blog • Pacific Maxillofacial Center
At Pacific Maxillofacial Center the doctors cover dental subjects, that you and your family may be interested in. Call us today, we are located nearby Honolulu!
Pacific Maxillofacial Center, 1060 Young Street #312, Honolulu, HI 96814 ^ 808-585-8455 ^ pacificmaxcenter.com ^ 10/4/2024 ^ Associated Words: Dental Implants Honolulu ^