People Who Grind Their Teeth Are Likely To Damage Their:
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a common condition among both children and adults. It is a condition where a person clenches or grinds their teeth unconsciously, mostly while they are asleep. Although it may seem harmless, teeth grinding can cause severe damage to your oral health if not treated early enough.
The Teeth
Your teeth are one of the most crucial parts of your oral health. They are responsible for biting and chewing food, and also play a crucial role in speech. When you grind your teeth, you put them under immense pressure, which can cause them to crack, chip, or even break. Over time, this pressure can lead to severe damage to your teeth, which may require expensive dental procedures to repair.
The Jaw
Grinding your teeth also puts a lot of pressure on your jaw. This can cause your jaw to become sore and achy, especially in the morning when you wake up. Over time, this pressure can cause your jaw to become misaligned, which can lead to a lot of pain and discomfort. If left untreated, this condition can cause severe problems with your jawbone, which may require surgery to correct.
The Gums
The gums are the soft tissues that surround and support your teeth. When you grind your teeth, you put a lot of pressure on your gums, which can cause them to become inflamed and irritated. Over time, this inflammation can lead to gum disease, which is a severe condition that can cause your teeth to fall out.
The Nerves
Teeth grinding also puts a lot of pressure on the nerves in your teeth. This can cause your teeth to become sensitive to hot and cold temperatures, which can be very uncomfortable. Over time, this pressure can cause the nerves in your teeth to become damaged, which can lead to severe pain and discomfort.
The Fillings
If you have dental fillings, grinding your teeth can cause them to become damaged or even fall out. This is because the pressure from grinding can cause the filling to become loose or damaged, which can lead to further damage to your tooth. If left untreated, this condition can cause severe damage to your teeth, which may require expensive dental procedures to repair.
The TMJ
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint that connects your jawbone to your skull. When you grind your teeth, you put a lot of pressure on this joint, which can cause it to become inflamed and irritated. Over time, this inflammation can lead to severe pain and discomfort in your jaw area. If left untreated, this condition can cause severe problems with your TMJ, which may require surgery to correct.
Treatment Options
If you grind your teeth, it is essential to seek treatment as soon as possible. There are several treatment options available, depending on the severity of your condition. Some of the most common treatment options include mouthguards, relaxation techniques, and medication. If your condition is severe, your dentist may recommend surgery to correct the problem.
Conclusion
Teeth grinding is a serious condition that can cause severe damage to your oral health if left untreated. If you grind your teeth, it is essential to seek treatment as soon as possible to prevent further damage. With the right treatment, you can protect your teeth, gums, jaw, nerves, fillings, and TMJ from the damaging effects of teeth grinding. Don't wait until it's too late; seek treatment today.