Are You Grinding Your Teeth?
April 18, 2018
Grinding your teeth, also known as bruxism, often occurs while you are asleep. There are negative effects on your teeth and health if you do it over a long period of time. The friction between your teeth caused by clenching and grinding can affect the outer surface’s of your teeth. The strength and integrity of your teeth can become compromised and weakened. Early on, the effects may just involve tiny, nearly invisible cracks in the surface of your teeth, but they can leave your teeth susceptible to decay and damage. Grinding your teeth can impact your jaw and cause you to wake up with chronic headaches. There are signs that you are grinding your teeth, and your dentist may be able to help you deal with it.
Signs You Are Grinding Your Teeth
Since most often your grinding will happen while you are asleep, how do you know if you are doing it? If you frequently wake up with soreness in your teeth or jaw, it may be a sign. Waking up with headaches could be a sign, too. Sensitivity of your teeth could be a sign of bruxism because the tiny surface fractures from grinding can make your teeth sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet.
Dealing With Decay and Damage
The miniscule fractures made in the enamel of your teeth are a problem. The longer your mouth endures the stress and tension caused by the grinding your teeth, the more affected the surfaces of your teeth can become. Even the teensiest of cracks in your teeth can leave your tooth vulnerable to breakage. Along with problems caused to the structural integrity, tiny fractures in your teeth can become homes to harmful bacteria. No matter how often you brush or floss, decay can get a head start on affecting your teeth by entering surface fractures. After bruxism is addressed, your teeth themselves may need to be restored. Bonding or fillings may be necessary to address the damaged surfaces of teeth or cavities, while crowns may be needed for larger spots of damage.
Grinding Your Teeth Can Lead To Damage and Decay
We can help you if you are grinding your teeth. To learn more, schedule an appointment by calling Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry of Kansas City, MO, today at 816-427-4018.