Taking care of your smile is a process that will follow you well into adulthood. In fact, it is a practice that you must take part in for the rest of your life. Though we may have some natural defenses to protect our structures from harm, in truth, there are exponentially more concerns out there that can threaten our smile’s integrity and health. Still, some issues are not as simple to address with brushing or flossing, and instead require specialized care. In today’s blog, your Kansas City, MO dentist explains how chronic teeth grinding can damage your teeth, as well as lead to even bigger concerns when left untreated.
What is Bruxism?
It goes without saying that your smile is constantly on the defensive against a host of different concerns. From bacteria-related issues such as gum disease and tooth decay to non-bacteria-related issues like sleep apnea and bruxism, there is not much your smile is inherently protected from. When taking a look at nontraditional concerns, in particular, we see the potential for damage in ways we might not have thought before, making it even more necessary to address early on.
Take, for example, teeth grinding. More often than not, it occurs on an unconscious level. Though experiencing the phenomenon once or twice in your life might not seem like the worst thing in the world, in actuality, it could be occurring much more frequently than you think.
Bruxism is the name given to chronic teeth grinding and occurs when a person tightly clenches his or her teeth together and proceeds to move the lower jaw from side to side, creating tension and friction. To learn more about this process and how our team can help, give us a call today.
Ways It Affects Your Health
As you might imagine, teeth grinding can significantly impact your structural integrity. Not only does it contribute to cracking and brittleness, but it can lead to a greater likelihood of developing a bacteria-related concern as well such as infection or disease.
In addition to the immediate effects of bruxism, untreated cases often progress into a dangerous jaw dysfunction known as TMJ disorder. This phenomenon occurs when the lower mandible becomes misaligned with one or both of the two temporomandibular joints (TMJs) at which it hinges on the cranium. Contact our office to learn more today.
Customized Oral Appliance Solutions
To treat bruxism, our team offers the help of a custom oral appliance. This oftentimes consists of a mouthguard, which aims to protect your teeth from damage while you slumber. Additionally, we can help you acquire TMJ therapy treatment in the event you have developed TMJ disorder, and our team is more than happy to meet with you to help determine your needs.
Learn More Today
Contact Delightful Dental Care in Kansas City, MO by calling 816-942-7669 to learn more about the importance of protecting your teeth from chronic bruxism, and schedule your next appointment with our team today.