Bruxism is a dental disorder that happens when you clench or grind your teeth while not chewing and eating. Typically, when you have bruxism, you’re unaware that you’re grinding your teeth, either because you’re sleeping or you’re anxious.
In many cases, bruxism is short-lived and can be treated easily, especially if you visit your dentist regularly and the signs of the condition are caught early. However, if it goes untreated, the continual teeth grinding and clenching can severely impact your oral health.
Because bruxism carries the potential for serious tooth and jaw damage, our team led by endodontist Robert Scott Nance, DDS, MS, PA, at our practices in Statesville and Hickory, North Carolina, wants to discuss how to recognize you might have bruxism so you can seek help from our team and preserve your oral health long term.
There are two types of bruxism: sleep bruxism and awake bruxism.
As the names suggest, sleep bruxism is a type of sleep disorder where you clench or grind your teeth while sleeping.
Awake bruxism is typically related to anxiety, causing you to clench or grind your teeth when you’re feeling worried or stressed.
No matter the type, bruxism can cause the following symptoms:
Long-term bruxism can also cause ear pain and issues with your temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which is what allows you to open and close your jaw.
Unchecked teeth grinding and clenching can lead to:
When you grind and clench your teeth, the protective layer of enamel begins to wear away, putting you at a higher risk for chips and cracks. Once the enamel becomes compromised, it’s easy for substances to make their way to the sensitive inner portions of your tooth that contain nerves and blood vessels.
This can make your teeth extra sensitive to pressure and temperature extremes.
As the enamel of your teeth wears away, your teeth can become smaller and shorter. Eventually, your teeth can lose their integrity and begin to crack and loosen. This can put you at risk for damaged crowns, fillings, and even permanent tooth loss.
The pressure of teeth grinding also puts stress on your gums’ connective tissues. This can lead to gum irritation and inflammation, causing pain and loss of structural integrity, which can raise your risk of tooth loss.
If you suspect that you might have bruxism, don’t wait to get professional care from Dr. Nance and the rest of our team. We can help identify the underlying cause and create a treatment plan that works best for you.
Schedule an appointment with us by calling your nearest office location today!
