When Chronic Teeth Grinding Goes Unchecked

Many adults understand that excellent oral health care requires a healthy combination of preventive care at home, attending 6-month dental visits, and paying mind to the types of foods and beverages you consume. While you could be on top of every one of these factors, accidents and physical injury can still happen, affecting a tooth’s appearance and strength. While minor chips can be fixed with cosmetic dentistry, bigger concerns may warrant restorative measures. Sometimes, however, injury can occur without a clear understanding of where or why, causing problems such as an aching jaw or sensitive teeth. In today’s blog, your Houston, TX dentist will look at the negative effects that arise if you experience bruxism, and how our team can help.

How It Damages Your Teeth

Chronic teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, consists of unconsciously rubbing your structures together with immense pressure. It can occur as a result of stress or anxiety, or even due to a bigger concern such as a sleeping disorder that is causing you to move your lower mandible from side-to-side. While it may begin as only some mild discomfort, it can quickly get out of hand and cause a number of significant concerns. For example, your teeth may become worn when consistently rubbing together, causing an increased chance of infection or structural weakening. What’s more, consistent grinding can cause your lower jaw to become displaced, a dysfunction known as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. When you experience TMJ disorder, you will experience sensation of constant popping or clicking in the jaw as the jaw attempts to correct the misalignment, ultimately causing a long list of symptoms that will require special treatment to address. If you suspect you may be experiencing chronic teeth grinding or TMJ disorder, contact our team immediately.

Potential Causes

Bruxism is commonly associated with TMJ disorder, as it leads to the jaw dysfunction itself and does not stop there. Grinding can be caused by anxiety-inducing situations or life circumstances, tension and clenched joints, and even as a side effect of major sleep disorders such as sleep apnea. Regardless of the cause, however, acting with efficiency to address the concern may just be necessary when it comes to preserving your oral health, and fortunately, we are here to help.

When to Seek Treatment

Chronic bruxism and TMJ disorder, if left unmanaged, can cause severe damage to your oral structures and jaw that may require significant restorative measures to address down the line. Fortunately, our office can help by providing a thorough assessment to determine your exact needs in order to provide a custom appliance specifically tailored to help your problem. To learn more about your next steps, please reach out to our team today.

Contact Our Office

When it comes to chronic teeth grinding, it is better to act sooner rather than later. Contact Sue Ellen Richardson, DDS in Houston, TX by calling 713-796-9600 to learn more or schedule your visit today.