Taking care of your smile often involves more work than many people are willing to put in. After all, there are what seem to be countless factors out there that can pose a significant threat to your oral health, and the unfortunate truth of the matter is that there are significantly fewer factors that serve as protectors. As such, your dentist recommends practicing a well-rounded preventive routine, but what exactly does this mean for uncommon concerns? In today’s blog, your Vista, CA dentist explores the potential dangers that arise from unconscious teeth grinding, as well as what your treatment options may look like.
Weakened Teeth and Infections
It goes without saying that everyone knows someone that snores at night. Indeed, this phenomenon may be a common one that you might not even relate to your oral health. The truth of the matter is, however, that snoring and grinding your teeth are actually a few examples of the body’s natural reaction to threats.
Indeed, snoring may seem common, but it often arises due to the body attempting to regulate its breathing. Teeth grinding is no different, as it may result from the body’s attempt to survive. Another cause of bruxism may include heightened levels of stress or other outside influences.
When a person grinds their teeth, what is happening is that he or she is tightly clenching the upper and lower structures while moving the lower jaw from side to side.
This process creates friction and can result in weaker structures, an increase in infection development, and heightened chances of developing chips and cracks due to brittle teeth. To learn more about this process and what to be on the lookout for, give our team a call today.
Developing Jaw Dysfunction
In addition to the damage that increases as a result of bruxism, you also face the potential for developing a dangerous jaw dysfunction as well. Indeed, the constant back and forth of the lower jaw can actually cause it to become misaligned from the joints at which it hinges to the cranium. These joints are known as your temporomandibular joints, and misalignment can cause significant tissue damage.
Additionally, those who experience TMJ Disorder may endure a noticeable and even painful popping or clicking sensation as the jaw attempts to correct the issue. Give our team a call today to learn more.
Treatment Options
Any dental concern is best treated sooner rather than later, and in the case of TMJ Disorder, this statement is even more true. Our team can help treat the situation through guided splint therapy, as well as help set you up with a custom oral appliance to protect your teeth.
Schedule Your Visit
Contact Melrose Dental Arts in Vista, CA by calling 760-724-9117 to schedule your next appointment with our team and learn more about the need to treat chronic teeth grinding and TMJ Disorder.
