Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Grinding Your Teeth

Some signs of dental health trouble are easily recognizable. For instance, if you see that your gums bleed a lot when you brush and floss your teeth, then there’s a good chance that gingivitis (early gum disease) is the cause. If you have a toothache, then it could be the result of several potential reasons, but you may be able to at least recognize what tooth is in trouble. However, some signs can seem like something you don’t have to worry about. For example, many people who grind their teeth habitually don’t think it means anything serious, until their teeth start to show the consequences of the unchecked grinding problem.

If it happens a lot, it could be a problem

Grinding your teeth together once in a while isn’t typically a problem. That’s why many people can easily mistake their bruxism problem as something that doesn’t require any special attention. However, when you grind your teeth consistently, it often means that there’s an underlying problem cause it, and it isn’t just a nervous tic or habit. Often referred to as bruxism, chronic teeth-grinding can be the result of an imbalance in your bite, such as misaligned teeth or jaw joints, and the cause may need to be addressed in order to help you stop grinding your teeth.

It may be happening more often than you know

The times that you catch yourself grinding your teeth when you have bruxism can seem excessive. However, the problem may be much bigger than you know, as you may not realize all of the times that your teeth subconsciously grind against each other. In fact, many people who have bruxism have a nighttime version of it, in which they grind their teeth most often while they sleep at night. The frequency of teeth-grinding is the main source behind the damage that it can cause to your teeth.

It might be treated with an appliance from your dentist

If you suspect that you have a bruxism problem, or if your dentist notices that your teeth are starting to wear down from excessive grinding, then you may have a chance of avoiding further damage by having your dentist address it as soon as possible. In many cases, this can include wearing a custom-designed oral appliance, or bruxism guard, to protect your teeth from the pressure and friction of grinding against each other every night. If you’ve already experienced some level of tooth wear or damage, then treating your bruxism and restoring your teeth promptly can help you avoid the need for more extensive treatment.

Don’t ignore your chronic teeth-grinding habit

If you grind your teeth often, then it could be a warning sign of bruxism, and you should speak to your dentist about how to address it as soon as possible. To learn more, schedule an appointment by calling Gentle Smiles in Dallas, TX, today at 972-329-7645 (972-329-SMILE).