Everyone grinds their teeth occasionally, but like all things, doing it too much can prove more harmful than you realize. Bruxism is a condition in which you constantly grind your teeth together, most often at night, and you may not always be able to stop yourself. Over time, the incessant pressure and friction can wear down and weaken your teeth, leading to greater risks of other issues, like tooth decay and TMJ disorder. If bruxism is making you grind your teeth too much, then your dentist may be able to help you stop with a custom-designed oral appliance.
What Bruxism Means for Your Teeth
Because teeth grinding is the main characteristic of bruxism, it may be no surprise that tooth wear and damage are common results of the condition. However, as your teeth wear down, grow weaker, and develop fractures, bruxism can lead to other related issues. For instance, excessive tooth wear can throw your bite off balance, forcing your jaw to work harder and potentially causing TMJ disorder. Cracked and fractured teeth can become more damaged as the grinding continues, and the damage could require extensive restoration to fix.
How Your Dentist Can Help You Stop
The good news is that bruxism can often be treated without complicated dental procedures. A custom-designed oral appliance, or nightguard, can protect your teeth from grinding together as you sleep. It can also help your jaw rest more comfortably so that it is less likely to spasm and force your teeth together at night.
Learn How to Stop Grinding Your Teeth
If you grind your teeth too much, then ask your dentist for help to stop before your teeth become too damaged. To learn more, schedule an appointment by calling the Sunny Smiles dental office nearest you in El Paso, TX, today! We have offices in the East, Northeast, and Westside of El Paso, and happily welcome patients from all nearby communities, including Chaparral, Canutillo, Vinton, and Sunland Park, New Mexico.