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Did you know that you could be damaging your teeth without your knowledge? If you grind your teeth during sleep, your teeth are feeling the effects of extreme forces capable of wearing away enamel and compromising their structural integrity. Over time, teeth grinding, or bruxism, can lead to cracked, chipped, and even broken teeth. So what can you do to protect your teeth? And how do you know if your teeth need protecting? Your Mansfield dentists, Dr. Blair Jones and Dr. Seth Harris, share these answers below.

Symptoms and Causes of Bruxism

A few signs that you may grind your teeth at night include sensitive teeth, a sore jaw, and frequent headaches. Your Mansfield dentists, Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris, may also see signs of wear on your teeth that indicate bruxism. The causes of bruxism are typically related to stress and are sometimes bound up with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull. People who suffer from TMJ disorders typically grind their teeth, but bruxism may also be the cause of a TMJ disorder. The TMJ is a joint that is in a delicate balance, and if that balance is disturbed by the forces of bruxism, a TMJ disorder can develop. Symptoms of TMJ disorders include frequent headaches, facial pain, earaches, migraines, and jaw pain.

Dental Mouthguards from Your Mansfield Dentists

In order to treat bruxism or a TMJ disorder, your Mansfield dentists, Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris may prescribe a dental mouthguard. This oral appliance protects teeth from the damage of bruxism and also repositions the jaw to discourage clenching.

Schedule a Visit with Your Mansfield Dentists

Are sensitive teeth and a sore jaw a part of your daily reality? If so, it’s likely that you grind your teeth during the night. With a dental mouthguard, you can protect your teeth and jaw from more serious damage. Schedule an appointment with your Mansfield dentists, Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris, today by calling 817-473-6227. We proudly serve Mansfield and the surrounding communities of South Arlington, Kennedale, Southeast Ft. Worth, Alvarado, and Midlothian.