Stress affects most aspects of our well-being, but there’s one aspect that people tend to neglect the most: oral health. The most common ways through which stress affects your teeth is through grinding teeth, or bruxism. Most people grind their teeth subconsciously, typically while they’re asleep, and this will, in the long run, lead to severe dental problems. Most people are not aware that bruxism can chip teeth, and cause jaw pain and other problems, necessitating immediate treatment by an emergency dentist in Saskatoon.
Bruxism is a condition where a person grinds or clenches their teeth, often unconsciously. It can occur during the day (awake bruxism) or at night (sleep bruxism). Occasional grinding is not problematic, but more severe grinding, especially for long durations, can wear out the teeth, affect dental work, and produce issues in the jaw.
How Teeth Grinding Can Lead to Dental Emergencies
If bruxism is not treated, it might result in unforeseen and agonizing dental emergencies. This is how:
1. Cracked or Broken Teeth
Reckless grinding exerts a tremendous amount of force on your teeth. Gradually, this might lead to cracks or even break your teeth entirely. A cracked or broken tooth is a grave dental emergency that demands instant care from an emergency dentist.
2. Jaw Pain and TMJ Disorders
Bruxism may overwork the muscles and joints within your jaw, resulting in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. TMJ disorders can be extremely painful, cause headaches, and make it difficult to open or close your mouth. If the pain is not tolerable, you will require emergency dental services.
3. Worn-Down Enamel
Slow grinding wears away the enamel, which shields your teeth from decay and sensitivity. When the enamel is lost, your teeth are more susceptible to cavities, infections, and sensitivity to hot and cold foods.
4. Loose or Missing Fillings and Crowns
If you have crowns, veneers, or dental fillings, bruxism has the potential to damage or loosen them. A cracked crown or missing filling can reveal the delicate inner surfaces of your tooth, leading to pain and potential for infection. Seeing a dental clinic in Saskatoon at once may avoid more problems.
5. Gum Recession and Tooth Loss
Excessive grinding can lead to your gums receding, leaving your teeth roots exposed. Not only does this make your teeth sensitive, but it also compromises their foundation. In severe cases, bruxism can result in tooth loss, necessitating emergency dental care.
Warning Signs That You Might Be Grinding Your Teeth
Because the majority of people grind their teeth during sleep, they might not know that they have bruxism until symptoms begin to manifest. The following are some signs of warning:
- Waking with a headache or sore jaw
- Sensitivity in the teeth
- Cracked or chipped teeth
- Jaw tightness or inability to open your mouth
- More tooth discomfort or pain
- Observing flattening of biting surfaces of the teeth
- Partner or relative hears grinding sounds at night
If you have any of these signs, it’s better to go to a dentist to get evaluated before the issue creates a dental emergency.
Guard Your Smile Against Stress-Induced Dental Emergencies
Stress and teeth grinding might seem like minor issues, but they can quickly lead to severe dental emergencies if left untreated. Broken teeth, TMJ disorders, and worn-down enamel are just a few of the problems that can arise from bruxism. If you’re experiencing jaw pain, sensitivity, or signs of grinding, don’t wait until it turns into a dental emergency.
Come to Saskatoon Smiles Dental Studio Today!
At Saskatoon Smiles Dental Studio, we offer specialist care to assist you in controlling teeth grinding and avoiding surprise dental emergencies. If you require a custom night guard, TMJ pain treatment, or emergency dental work, our practice is here for you. If you require a dentist in Saskatoon, call us today to book your appointment and safeguard your smile.