In our previous blog, our team took a look at the way teeth grinding – also known as bruxism – can result from an obstructed airway, and how this phenomenon can have negative effects on various aspects of your physical health. Indeed, obstructive sleep apnea is not something to take lightly, but that does not mean that chronic bruxism is a walk in the park either. In fact, it can develop into a dangerous jaw dysfunction without proper interventive care. In today’s blog, your Houston, TX dentist explains the natural progression of teeth grinding, and what treatment options can help.
It’s Doomed to Worsen
Your oral health is heavily influenced by various factors, and nontraditional problems such as sleep issues are no exception to this rule. The problem is, however, that it can be rather difficult to identify sleep issues early on in the process, as they occur when you are asleep! Though this may throw a wrench in things, there are still ways you can stay on top of your oral health and quality of sleep.
You see, bruxism occurs when a person consistently clenches his or her teeth together while asleep and moving the lower jaw from side to side. This process creates friction between your teeth, which contribute to progressively weaker and more brittle structures with time. What’s more? You also endure greater chances of enduring infection.
Just like regular oral health problems, a sleep issue such as teeth grinding is doomed to get worse without interventive treatment. Because of this, our team encourages you to reach out sooner rather than later. To learn more about this process, give our team a call today.
TMJ Disorder
When teeth grinding is able endure without prevention, you experience a greater likelihood of developing a dangerous jaw dysfunction known as TMJ Disorder. This phenomenon occurs when the lower mandible becomes misaligned with one or both of the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) at which it hinges to the cranium.
A person with TMJ disorder will experience a noticeable popping or clicking sensation in the jaw as the bone attempts to correct its placement. Additionally, it becomes difficult to open the mouth properly to eat, as well as leads to significant pain with movement. For more information about this process and how we can help, give us a call today.
Understanding Your Options
In order to address TMJ Disorder, our team can help you through guided splint therapy so the jaw can be gradually guided back into place. Additionally, we can create a custom oral appliance to protect your teeth while you slumber.
Schedule Your Consultation
To learn more about your sleep issue solutions and how our team can help, contact SleepWell Houston in Houston, TX by calling 713-796-9600 and schedule your consultation with our office today.
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