Bruxism is the process of clenching and grinding the teeth, and it is often something that happens while you are asleep at night. Unfortunately, this process can be dangerous to the teeth, so it is important to prevent it. Read on to find out why bruxism is so dangerous to the teeth.
Bruxism Wears Down The Teeth
One of the biggest concerns with bruxism is that it wears down the teeth. Placing unnatural pressure and force onto the teeth will cause the enamel to wear off along the gum line and on the biting surfaces. This can lead to excessive wear, fractures, and chipping. Your teeth may eventually break, and you’ll need to invest in restorations, root canals, and possible extraction in order to treat the problem. When teeth are removed, you will need further work, like a bridge or implant.
Wearing down of the enamel can also result in tooth sensitivity, especially when consuming hot and cold foods and drinks. When the enamel is worn away, the sensitive dentin layer of the teeth is exposed. It is then easier for foods and drinks to get to the nerve.
Grinding Can Cause TMJ Disorder
The temporomandibular joint acts like a hinge, connecting the skull and the jawbone. TMJ disorder can result from clenching and grinding the teeth, and this can cause pain in the jaw joint and the muscles that help to control jaw movement. Symptoms include pain in the jaw, aching pains in the ear, pain when chewing, headaches, facial pain, and locking of the jaw joint.
If you suffer from bruxism, especially when you sleep, it is important to take precautions to protect your teeth. A night guard is the most popular way of protecting the mouth, and we can create a custom-fit mouth guard that will slip over your top teeth. Call us today to learn more.