Your oral health is heavily influenced by a great number of factors, and unfortunately, it does not have many natural defenses in line to ensure its protection. As a result, it is only appropriate that we take strides to practice regular dental prevention. This can include brushing your teeth regularly to fend off plaque or tartar deposits, as well as flossing regularly to keep your gums healthy. Event still, not every smile threat can be treated with prevention, but our team is ready to help you get started. In today’s blog, your Conroe, TX dentist explores the impact bruxism has on your oral health, including why it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible.

Immediate Dangers and Threats

From a young age, your parents or guardians have likely emphasized the need for caring for your smile. While at the time you may have thought it to be nothing more than a ploy by adults to make you do stuff you did not like, in reality, it helped lay an adequate foundation of routine oral health care.

Most individuals are familiar with the traditional threats of cavities, infections, and bacteria-related smile threats. While these may be the most common of concerns, they are far from the only ones to consider. As a matter of fact, many people every year experience some form of teeth grinding, and many others suffer from chronic issues.

Indeed, chronic teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, occurs when a person tightly clenches his or her teeth together and moves the lower jaw from side to side. This results in friction, as well as immediate damage that can wear down your natural layer of enamel and subject your smile to cracking or breaking. To learn more about this process, give our team a call today.

How It Influences Function

In addition to the immediate effects of bruxism, it can also lead to complications with your oral function. For example, tightly clenching your teeth for so long can lead to strain. Not only this, but it can complicate your ability to open your mouth fully and perform regular tasks such as biting, chewing, and eating. Contact our office today to learn more about the dangers of untreated bruxism.

Beware of Worse Conditions

Finally, the biggest threat that can arise from untreated bruxism includes the development of TMJ Disorder. You see, TMJ Disorder is a dangerous jaw dysfunction that occurs when the lower jaw becomes misaligned with one or both of your temporomandibular joints (TMJs). The result is a noticeable popping or clicking sensation in the jaw and potential for significant tissue damage.

Schedule Your Visit Today

Contact The Dental Center of Conroe in Conroe, TX by calling 936-441-4600 to learn more about the effects of chronic teeth grinding on your oral health, and schedule your next appointment with our team today.