Suffering from dental related issues such as teeth grinding, chipping or cracking a tooth, and more can not only affect your day-to-day routine but may even become so severe you may result in needing a dental crown to protect your smile from further damage. Believe it or not, many of these circumstances can be caused by the unconscious phenomenon of grinding your teeth in the middle of the night. At The Dental Centre of Conroe in Conroe, Texas, we recognize the potential threats that bruxism causes to your grin, and we want to make sure that you are aware of your options if you run into any issues down the road from grinding.
It Wears Down Your Teeth
Bruxism is the term used to describe teeth clenching. It can occur while you sleep, through force of habit, or even from stress and anxiety. It can occur without your knowledge and lead to a myriad of side effects, including wearing down your teeth, headaches, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. Symptoms include tight or achy jaw muscles, headaches, chewing on your cheeks, and surfaces of oral structures becoming chipped or worn down.
When you clench and grind, the protective layers and healthy structures of each tooth are working against one another, essentially removing the protection that keeps your teeth safe. If too much occurs, you may need to consider restorative dental procedures such as a dental crown, bridge, or more if it continues.
It Leads to Headaches
Due to the stress and tension between your TMJs and oral structures clenching against each other, the stress created leads up to the brain and can cause severe headaches. An indicator that you may be subject to grinding at night could include waking up with a headache and even a sore or tight jaw. If this has occurred, it is pertinent you see your dentist immediately and learn about potential causes and treatments.
It Can Cause TMJ Disorder
Since your jaw bone is tightening constantly when you experience bruxism, you become at risk for developing TMJ disorder. Symptoms include discomfort, pain when chewing, you experiencing popping and/or clicking in your jaw, your teeth fitting together uncomfortably when biting down, you experience ear discomfort or ringing in your ears, and you experience daily headaches. Fortunately, there are treatments for bruxism and TMJ disorder, so contact your dentist if you have experienced any of the above symptoms today to find out how we can help.
How To Handle Your Bruxism Matter
Bruxism and TMJ Disorder can influence your day-to-day function, making it much more strenuous and uncomfortable. Fortunately, The Dental Centre of Conroe knows what it takes to combat these issues and offer treatments to help alleviate the discomfort you may be feeling due to these conditions. Contact our Conroe, Texas dentist today at (936) 441-4600 to learn what treatment plans may work best for you.
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