Your teeth endure constant pressure from the ordinary forces of chewing, but add grinding, clenching, and other parafunctional habits into the mix, and damage may be dramatically accelerated. Most people don’t realize how much these unconscious behaviors impact their dental health.

The consequences can be significant. Excessive force from the jaw muscles can create indentations along the gum line, wear through protective enamel to expose sensitive dentin, chip tooth edges and cusps, and can even cause fractures that may lead to infections. Beyond visible damage, these habits could trigger hypersensitivity, neuromuscular pain, tenderness, and muscle fatigue.

The muscles of mastication – those responsible for chewing – often become hyperactive due to stress, anxiety, or ingrained habits. When overworked, they generate excessive forces that teeth simply weren’t designed to withstand, accelerating deterioration over time.

The good news? A remarkably effective remedy exists: a simple dental appliance that protects your teeth from further damage. Dental splints are custom fabricated for your mouth and are typically worn overnight to prevent you from being able to clench or grind your teeth and provide nociceptive feedback to break the cycle.

We have treated many patients who required dental splints, and the response is overwhelmingly positive. If you notice signs of wear, sensitivity, chipping, or experience jaw pain and muscle tenderness, discuss them with your dentist or give us a call at 630.420.0013 to book a complimentary consultation. By addressing muscle control issues now, you preserve your natural teeth and avoid complications from untreated grinding and clenching.

Learn more about our office and team by following us on social media (@napervilledentistry), visiting us online at napervilledentist.com, or giving us a call at 630.420.0013.