Nocturnal bruxism or sleep-related bruxism is sometimes hard to diagnose because many people are not aware that they suffer from it. If you wake up in the morning with a sore jaw or others have reported hearing you make grinding noises while you sleep, then you may have this problem. This common habit is the cause of various dental conditions, so it is important to recognize if you have a problem, so steps can be taken to fix it.
If you have a problem with jaw clenching or teeth grinding, there is still hope! Our dentist, Dr. Gayle Fletcher, understands the causes and treatments available for bruxism and is happy to provide feedback on what treatment method might be right for you. Here at Patient-First Dental Care in Conroe, Texas, we are committed to providing all our clients with quality assistance in all of their dental needs.
Often, bruxism is easy for dentists to identify because it can cause noticeable damage to tooth enamel. The problem with this is, when the enamel is worn down, it can leave the dentin exposed, which leaves makes the tooth more vulnerable to tooth decay and sensitivity. If you have any of the following symptoms you may grind your teeth at night: morning headaches, sore jaw or facial muscles, chipped or cracked teeth, sensitive or loose teeth, or impressions and indentations on your tongue.
We would encourage you to schedule an appointment with us today at 936-856-9969 if you have been regularly experiencing any of these symptoms. If bruxism is not addressed, then it has the potential to cause severe tooth damage, so don’t hesitate to do something about it today.