Do you ever wake up with a sore jaw or a dull headache? You might dismiss it as a bad night’s sleep, but it could be a sign of something more. Many people grind or clench their teeth at night without ever knowing it. This common condition, called bruxism, often happens unconsciously while you sleep. At Oak Hills Dentistry in Spring, TX, our skilled and compassionate team, led by Dr. Reagan Smith, is here to help patients from across the North Houston area identify and address this sneaky habit.
Bruxism can cause significant damage over time, so recognizing the subtle symptoms is the first step toward protecting your oral health. Here are five sneaky signs that you might be grinding your teeth at night.
1. Morning Jaw Soreness or Headaches
Waking up with unexplained tension or soreness in your jaw, face, or neck is a classic sign of nighttime grinding. The constant pressure from clenching your jaw muscles for hours can lead to muscle fatigue and even tension headaches that are most noticeable first thing in the morning.
2. Unexplained Tooth Wear or Chips
Your teeth are incredibly strong, but they aren’t meant to withstand the intense force of persistent grinding. Over time, bruxism can flatten the chewing surfaces of your molars, create small chips along the edges of your front teeth, or cause enamel to wear down faster than normal.
3. Increased Tooth Sensitivity
As grinding wears away the protective enamel layer, the more sensitive inner layer of your tooth, called dentin, becomes exposed. This can lead to new or worsening sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks.
4. A Scalloped Tongue or Cheek Damage
When you clench your jaw, you might unknowingly press your tongue against your teeth, creating ridged or “scalloped” indentations along its sides. You may also notice small sores or lines on the inside of your cheeks from biting or chewing the tissue during sleep.
5. Your Sleep Partner Hears It
One of the most obvious signs is one you can’t notice yourself. Your spouse or partner may be the first to tell you they hear grinding or scraping sounds coming from your side of the bed at night.
The Connection Between Bruxism and TMJ Disorder
Consistent nighttime grinding does more than just wear down your teeth; it places immense strain on your entire jaw system, including the temporomandibular joints (TMJ). These are the complex hinge joints that connect your jawbone to your skull.
When you clench and grind, the surrounding muscles work overtime, leading to inflammation and fatigue. This constant pressure can cause the joints to become misaligned, triggering the symptoms of a TMJ disorder. You might experience a clicking or popping sound when you open your mouth, have difficulty chewing, or even suffer from episodes where your jaw feels locked. Left untreated, this can lead to chronic facial pain and disrupt your daily life.
The negative impacts don’t stop there. Untreated bruxism can cause cracked enamel, increase your risk for gum recession, and even cause dental restorations like crowns and fillings to fail prematurely. It also disrupts your sleep, affecting your overall quality of life.
Solutions: Customized TMJ Treatment at Oak Hills Dentistry
Fortunately, you don’t have to live with the consequences of teeth grinding. At Oak Hills Dentistry, Dr. Reagan Smith understands the importance of using a customized approach to treating TMJ disorders and bruxism. One of the most effective methods he employs is the use of custom therapeutic appliances called Physiologic Orthotics.
These are not your average nightguards. Dr. Smith has completed extensive training on how to fabricate and adjust these advanced appliances, which are designed to support your jaw in its ideal alignment, relax overworked muscles, and protect your teeth from damage. He works closely with each patient, tailoring the appliance to their unique needs to ensure a comfortable fit and effective results.
If you suspect you might be grinding your teeth, don’t wait for the damage to get worse. Residents of Spring and the greater North Houston area are invited to schedule a consultation at Oak Hills Dentistry. Let Dr. Smith and our caring team help you find relief and protect your smile for years to come.
Contact Oak Hills Dentistry:
281-350-8852
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
2525 Louetta Rd, Ste 100, Spring, TX
Spring, Texas
77388