Do you ever wake up in the morning with a sore jaw? You may be grinding your teeth unconsciously. Bruxism is the term for the chronic, habitual act of grinding your teeth. It often happens as the jaw clenches together. It can be caused by stress or an awkward alignment of your bite. If you are grinding your teeth every day and night, it is important to find the source of the issue because bruxism can lead to bigger problems. The constant strain on your jaw joints can put you at a higher risk of TMJ disorder. Bruxism can also have other negative effects on your smile. If you think you are grinding your teeth, talk to Dr. Cabal in Fort Worth, TX.
Overuse & Strain
The joints of your jaw are known as the temporomandibular joints (TMJ). They are designed to bear a lot of pressure and do a lot of work. However, the strain and pressure from grinding your teeth can put too much strain on the joints. The most common symptom of teeth grinding is a headache. People who grind their teeth are susceptible to developing TMJ disorder, which is a malfunction of the joints. It can include symptoms like chronic headaches, earaches, facial pain, stiffness of the neck and shoulders, popping or clicking of the jaw, and more.
Effects on the Smile
Not only can grinding your teeth put your jaw’s health at risk, but it can also put your smile in harm’s way. Your teeth are made of very hard substances in order to withstand the act of chewing food. Grinding very hard surfaces against each other can lead to damage in the teeth’s surfaces. This damage can leave your teeth susceptible to tooth decay and breakage. It can also make your teeth feel sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet foods.
Are you grinding your teeth?
The habitual grinding of your teeth can put you at risk for TMJ disorder. To schedule your consultation call Lake Country Orthodontics in Fort Worth, TX at (817) 236-7846. Our office proudly serves patients who live in Ft. Worth, White Settlement, North Ft. Worth, Springtown, Rome, Haslet, Azle, Saginaw, and all surrounding communities.
