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Bruxism, which is the clinical name for chronic, uncontrollable teeth-grinding, can often become a problem long before you realize it. Because the causes of it vary, you may not realize that you’re at risk for it. Once it starts, it often occurs when you don’t notice it or least expect it, such as when you sleep at night. At our Riverside, CA, dental office, we can help you determine early if you exhibit signs of bruxism, and whether you should seek treatment for it before the condition leads to more severe issues.

Your teeth seem more sensitive than usual

The more you grind your teeth, the faster the pressure and friction will wear away the layer of enamel that protects them. This can leave your teeth increasingly more sensitive, especially whenever you eat or drink something that’s especially hot or cold. The sensitivity will grow worse the longer your condition is left untreated, and before long, it can lead to acute pain in one or more of your teeth as their enamel and tooth structure becomes more compromised.

Your teeth don’t feel right when you bite and chew

The wearing away of your tooth enamel can make your teeth more sensitive, but in more severe cases, grinding your teeth incessantly will also lead to the wearing down of their chewing surfaces. For your bite to function properly, your teeth have to meet each other evenly every time you bite down (hence, the serious need to straighten crooked teeth). As you grind away at your teeth’s chewing surfaces, their ability to meet each other when you bite down will be altered, making your bite feel “off” in ways that may be hard to define at first.

Your jaw muscles feel like they’re working too hard

The force that it takes to constantly grind your teeth together can take a toll on your joints and muscles over time. Even if you don’t realize how often you grind your teeth, you may notice that your jaws seem to grow tired and exhausted throughout the day, even when you aren’t biting and chewing any food. This can be a sign that your jaws are being overworked, and your bruxism may lead to TMJ disorder if not treated promptly.

Learn how to treat bruxism and its symptoms

If you show these or other signs of bruxism, then seeking treatment as soon as possible will give you the best chance of saving your teeth from extensive damage. Give us a call in Riverside, CA to schedule a consultation with your dentist. We are proud to serve patients from Riverside, Temecula, Moreno Valley, Corona, and all surrounding California communities. To schedule an appointment, contact one of the following locations nearest to you:

Riverside Dental Group at Magnolia in Riverside, CA at (951) 689-5031.

Dental Associates of Moreno Valley in Moreno Valley, CA at (951) 697-6800.

Riverside Dental Group at Woodcrest in Riverside, CA at (951) 776-9001.

Oasis Family Dental in Temecula, CA at (951) 695-2290.

Dental Associates of Riverside in Riverside, CA at (951) 369-1001.

Dental Associates of Corona in Corona, CA at (951) 273-9580.