Sometimes chronic stress can cause you to unconsciously grind your teeth at night on a regular basis. This condition is also known as bruxism. Left untreated it can cause chips on the biting surfaces of your teeth.
Once a tooth’s enamel layer has been compromised could start to trap residual plaque and food material. This can gradually start to foster a large cavity deep inside the already damaged tooth.
It’s also worth noting that the continued tension in your jaw muscles and temporomandibular joints can also contribute to the discomfort and dysfunction of TMJ disorder. This can cause a persistent ache around the temples, clicking in the temporomandibular joints, and discomfort when biting down. Left unresolved it could lead to more long-term complications. Â
One easy and effective way to lessen your chances of suffering one of these problems is to sleep with a quality dental guard in your mouth. This is a soft yet durable mouthpiece that cushions the biting surfaces of your teeth while allowing a slight amount of slip.
If you live in the Trussville, Alabama, area and you need a dental guard to protect your mouth from further night grinding complications, you should call 205-853-4600 to schedule an appointment at Marshall Family Dentistry.