Visiting our office at least once every six months for your routine checkup is an essential and necessary step for maintaining a healthy smile. Indeed, your grin is constantly facing threats from oral bacteria, germs, and more, and unfortunately, your natural defenses are few and far between. Though you may be familiar with the effects of common dental ailments such as tooth decay, gum disease, and others, it is important to know that there are nontraditional concerns that could be impacting your smile without your knowledge. In today’s blog, your Conroe, TX dentist explains the dangers of untreated teeth grinding, including how it influences your oral health.

Wearing Down Your Structures

By now, you are likely aware that dental prevention is a lifelong practice, and one that could probably use a bit more help than you initially think. You see, among the various threats and other concerns that bring your oral health into question, there are significantly fewer natural defenses. As a matter of fact, your protective layer of dental enamel is pretty much it. That’s all. Because of this, it becomes clear that regular prevention is essential.

Bear in mind that this information is true for various bacteria and germ concerns, but that it also applies to nontraditional dental concerns such as teeth grinding. Moreover, bruxism, or chronic teeth grinding, affects millions of people every year in some way, shape, or form, and many others are not even aware that it is occurring.

You see, teeth grinding occurs when a person unconsciously clenches his or her teeth together, then proceeds to move the lower jaw from side to side. Not only does this lead to tension, but consistent grinding can actually wear down your natural teeth. For more information about this process, give our team a call today.

Short- and Long-Term Consequences

In the short-term, you may experience discomfort, tension, and even tooth sensitivity. Not only are your structures wearing down, but the constant tension results in heightened stress and a greater possibility of your teeth breaking or becoming brittle.

Regarding long-term effects of teeth grinding, you may develop a dangerous jaw dysfunction known as TMJ disorder. This phenomenon occurs when your lower jaw becomes misaligned with one or more of your temporomandibular joints (TMJs). This process results in significant discomfort, pain, and the inability to open your mouth for routine tasks such as eating.

Understanding Your Options

Though bruxism and TMJ disorder may be overwhelming, keep in mind that you still have options. In fact, our team can help set you up with a custom oral appliance that protects your teeth while you slumber at night.

Schedule Your Appointment

To learn more about the dangers of TMJ disorder and untreated bruxism, contact The Dental Centre of Conroe in Conroe, TX by calling 936-441-4600 and schedule your next appointment with our office today.