Can My Teeth Grinding Cause Bigger Concerns?

Young handsome man over isolated background touching mouth with hand with painful expression because of toothache or dental illness on teeth. Dentist concept.Nothing is worse than waking up in the morning feeling tired and unmotivated to prepare for the day, except maybe rousing to sensitive teeth, a headache, and chronic jaw pain. These symptoms are not only an inconvenience on you and your day, but could actually be indicative of bigger concerns such as nighttime teeth grinding and more. In today’s blog, your Cleveland, TX dentist looks at teeth grinding and what negative results can occur if it is not treated, including the development of TMJ disorder.

Wearing Down Structures

While the biggest threat to most people’s smiles includes buildup of plaque or tartar that can cause decay and disease, the biggest threat to others consists of a bite dysfunction. A person may be diagnosed with bruxism, or chronic teeth grinding, which consists of consistent pressure and friction as structures grind together uncontrollably, usually occurring in the night when asleep. If left untreated, the consistent friction can cause structures to become worn down and weakened, allowing a higher chance of developing decay and disease. Not only this, but it can cause sensitivity, discomfort, and even bigger threats such as TMJ disorder. If you suspect you are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact our team immediately.

Threat of TMJ Disorder

When grinding persists, another concern that can develop includes temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. This concern occurs when one or both of your joints in which your lower jaw is hinged is damaged or harmed, causing a popping or clicking sound to occur when opening your mouth, difficulty biting and chewing, and chronic pain in the jaw or face. TMJ disorder can result from chronic grinding, and usually consists of a jaw misalignment. If it is not treated, your condition will only continue to get worse, as it will require either a custom appliance or device to realign.

How a Custom Appliance Can Help

Depending on the unique needs surrounding your circumstance, your dentist may be able to assist with a custom dental appliance such as a sleep guard to prevent damage caused by bruxism. Your temporomandibular joints may also be able to be addressed with specific TMJ therapy, including a specialized splint custom-made to support the lower jaw so it may rest and recover properly, thus enabling realignment. In more severe cases, orthodontic treatment may be needed. We will conduct a thorough examination of your oral cavity to determine the best solution for you, creating a personalized treatment plan to suit your specific needs.

Learn More Today

Determining the source of your jaw pain can be done efficiently to best alleviate your pain, but only if acted upon in a timely manner. To learn more about the effects of bruxism and possible solutions for your TMJ disorder, contact Cleveland Family Dentistry in Cleveland, TX by calling 281-592-1234 today.