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Unconsciously grinding your teeth (a condition known as bruxism) is a very common condition. While it may seem like just a bad habit, grinding your teeth can actually have some negative effects on your teeth and smile. Fortunately, your dentist can likely treat your condition with a custom-designed sleeping apparatus to help prevent the ill-effects from bruxism occurring. However, if the condition is left unchecked, it can lead to tooth damage, tooth decay, sensitivity, chronic headaches, and TMJ disorder, which is a condition affecting the joints of your jaw. 

Creating Tooth Fractures

As your teeth relentlessly grind against each other, the repeated friction and pressure can wear down the chewing surfaces of your teeth. At first, this wear may just be minor and will likely go unnoticed. However, as time goes on and the more that your teeth are exposed to nightly grinding, the weaker they will become. The teeth that once were able to stand up against the friction and pressure may become susceptible to breakage. Even while tooth fractures in the surfaces remain minor, the teeth become endangered because even the most minuscule of fracture can lead to sensitivity and be home to microscopic bacteria. Harmful bacteria that causes tooth decay and gum disease can hide in the damage caused by bruxism putting your teeth at an increased risk of cavities and worse forms of decay. Treating bruxism gives your teeth the chance to stay strong and formidable against damage and decay.

Jaw Malfunction

Grinding your teeth puts a lot of excess strain on your jaw. The joints and muscles can become afflicted. Eventually, it can lead to TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder, in which your jaw’s joints can no longer function properly. Biting and chewing can become painful, while the jaw, neck, face, and head can all face chronic pain.

Grinding your teeth can have negative effects on your smile

If you believe that you are grinding your teeth, it could be doing harm to your smile. To schedule a consultation, call Mansfield Dental Associates in Mansfield, TX, at 817-473-6227. We proudly welcome patients from Mansfield, TX and all surrounding areas, including South Arlington, Kennedale, Southeast Ft. Worth, Alvarado, Midlothian, and other neighboring communities.