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Do you grind your teeth? Maybe you notice that you wake up with headaches or a sore jaw. Perhaps you find during the day that you are clenching your jaw more often than not. Do you suffer from teeth sensitivity to cold foods? Maybe you find yourself getting a lot of cavities despite having good oral hygiene. These are some signs that you may be grinding your teeth while you sleep. Grinding your teeth is a common sleep disorder known as bruxism. It can cause numerous problems for your oral health. 

Increase Your Risk of TMJ Disorder

TMJ is your temporomandibular joint, which is the hinge joint of your jaw. This jaw is one of the most complex joints in your entire body because it can move up and down, side to side, and forward and back. TMJ disorder can be caused by the overwear on your joint from the grinding of your teeth. It can lead to soreness in the jaw, face, neck, and even shoulders. TMJ disorder can lead to jaw popping and lock jaw, which is the painful condition where your jaw locks into place. TMJ disorder can also be caused by a misalignment of your teeth, which can actually cause teeth grinding.

Increase Your Risk of Tooth Damage and Decay

Constant friction of your teeth grinding up against each other can lead to tiny fractures in the enamel of your teeth. These tiny fractures leave your teeth vulnerable to breakage as the surface area becomes weaker from the tiny breaks. The tiny fractures also lead to sensitivity from hot, cold, or sweet foods. These small cracks in your teeth can also become home to harmful bacteria that can hide there during brushing and flossing. This hiding bacteria can cause tooth decay and cavities. The cavities have a head start causing damage to the enamel, so they can escalate more quickly into a toothache-causing problem.

Do you think you are grinding your teeth?

If you grind your teeth, there are treatment options. Schedule a consultation at Mansfield Dental Associates by calling 817-473-6227. Located in Mansfield, TX, we also welcome patients and families from all surrounding communities including South Arlington, Kennedale, Southeast Ft. Worth, Alvarado, Midlothian, and more.