You have become familiar with the need for consistent oral health practices, and how dental prevention is the name of the game when it comes to keeping your grin healthy and strong. Even still, problems such as dental anxiety, transportation issues, and your financial situation can serve as unexpected obstacles in obtaining this important care. What’s more? Nontraditional dental concerns can threaten your oral health without you even knowing there is a problem. In today’s blog, your Conroe, TX dentist takes a look at the causes of chronic teeth grinding, as well as what you can expect from untreated teeth grinding.

The Effects of Untreated Bruxism

It goes without saying that there are countless factors out there that can pose a threat to your oral health. Some of these include common factors like the presence of oral bacteria, germs, and major dental infections. Other factors you might not immediately think about, however, include sleep disorders, bruxism, and TMJ disorder.

Indeed, thousands of people experience bruxism every year, which involves chronic and untreated teeth grinding. During this process, a person may consciously or unconsciously clench their teeth together tightly and move the lower mandible from side to side. This process generates friction between your structures, which can lead to a higher rate of cracking or chipping your teeth.

In addition to increased chances of breakage, you experience a heightened chance of developing a major dental infection, as damaged teeth can easily become overpopulated with harmful bacteria. To learn more about the effects of untreated bruxism and what you can expect from the process, give our team a call today.

Tension, Soreness, or Tired Jaw

Bacterial infection and structural damage are not the only phenomena that result from bruxism. In fact, enduring this process without seeking timely treatment will only result in the situation worsening, and you can expect it will not disappear on its own.

After some time consistent clenching and grinding, you will begin to notice a soreness or tiredness to the jaw due to tension. This causes stress on your oral structures, contributing to straining tension and even the possibility for a dangerous jaw dysfunction. Contact our team today to learn more.

How it Gets Worse

While occasional teeth grinding may not cause you to crack a tooth, consistent tension and clenching can lead to a dangerous jaw dysfunction known as TMJ Disorder. This occurs when your jaw becomes misaligned with one or both of your temporomandibular joints. When this does happen, a person requires specific restorative care such as splint therapy to help guide the jaw gradually back into place.

Seek Help from Our Team

Contact The Dental Centre of Conroe in Conroe, TX by calling 936-441-4600 to schedule your next appointment with our team today and learn how you can identify signs and symptoms of TMJ disorder.