Grinding your teeth, which is known as bruxism, is a common problem for many people. It often happens while you are sleeping. If it happens while you are asleep, how do you know if you if you suffer from it? Do you wake up with a sore jaw, sore cheeks, or sore teeth? Do you wake up tired after a full night of sleep? Do you frequently wake up with a headache? Do you have teeth that are sensitive to cold, hot, or sweet foods? If you answered yes to any of these, it could be signs that you are grinding your teeth while you sleep. Did you know that grinding your teeth could cause damage to your teeth, mouth, and even jaw?
Fractures and Breakage
Grinding your teeth is the act of your upper and lower ridges of teeth grinding against each other. This increased friction between the hard surfaces of your teeth can create tiny fractures in your enamel. Over time, the tiny fractures can increase in size and leave your teeth vulnerable to breakage. Weakened can succumb more easily to a chip, crack, or severe fracture.
Tooth Decay
The same tiny fractures in your teeth that leave them vulnerable to breaking can also become hiding places for bacteria. Bacteria hiding in these tiny cracks making it difficult to remove during brushing and flossing. Bacteria causes tooth decay, which usually begins by attacking the outer surface of the enamel. Tiny fractures caused by bruxism can give decay a head start in causing cavities by giving a deeper access to the enamel.
TMJ Disorder
The stress and strain of the grinding of your teeth can have an adverse effect on the joint of your jaw. The joint of your jaw is known as the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The excessive use of the joint in teeth grinding can lead to TMJ Disorder. TMJ disorder can consist of pain in the jaw, face, cheeks, shoulder, neck, popping of the jaw, and painful lockjaw.
Teeth grinding can lead to teeth damage
Talk to Dr. Coon if you think you grind your teeth. To schedule a consultation, call Grinnell Street Dental at (307) 672-7567. Located in Sheridan, WY, we also proudly serve the residents of Gillette, Billings, Miles City, and all surrounding communities.
