When anyone receives a cavity, what is happening is that oral bacteria are weakening your tooth’s structure, causing the section to cave in. A great number of factors could have contributed to this moment, from forgetting to floss, to skipping your dental exam and even from grinding your teeth at night and wearing down their surfaces. Indeed, a variety of influences impact your oral health, and some can do more damage than others. In today’s blog, your Conroe, TX dentist takes a look at the phenomenon of teeth-grinding and how it can lead to increased chances of damage.
A Chronic Concern
Whether you are aware of it or not, bruxism – the name given to chronic teeth-grinding – is a natural response your body has to a blocked airway. In fact, studies have shown that an individual may grind their teeth in an effort to regulate breathing.
You see, when a person slumbers, their throat muscles can become relaxed and end up blocking the airway. In response, your brain sends signals that briefly rouse you in some way to correct the situation. In cases such as these, that message may be the fixed grinding of your teeth.
As an individual grinds, the muscles in the throat constrict and stretch, clearing a path for proper airflow. To learn more about this process or to speak with our team, reach out to our office today.
Structural Damage
When an individual experiences bruxism, he or she clenches and subsequently moves the lower mandible from side-to-side. During this process, friction is created between structures, causing them to become worn. Over time, you can expect to experience damage such as chipping, cracking, and breaking to happen more frequently. You may also become more at risk of oral infection as the surfaces of your structures become worn and weaker.
In addition to structural damage, you may endure difficulty opening the mouth as well as tension. Reach out to our team today to learn more about your options and what steps you can take to alleviate your concern.
A Jaw Dysfunction
As your bruxism continues, you become more at risk for a dangerous jaw dysfunction known as TMJ disorder. Grinding encourages the movement of your jaw from side-to-side, and the more you do this, the more likely you are to cause misalignment. You see, your lower mandible hinges to your cranium via two temporomandibular joints (TMJs), and the act of grinding sets these off kilter. This is why you may experience popping or clicking. Fortunately, guided splint therapy and the use of an oral appliance might help.
Learn More Today
Contact The Dental Centre of Conroe in Conroe, TX at 936-441-4600 to learn more about the dangers of bruxism, and schedule your appointment with our team today.
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