Have you ever noticed that you grind your teeth when you’re stressed? Or have you recently discovered that you grind your teeth when you’re sleeping? More than just a tick, this constant habit of teeth grinding, or bruxism as it’s formally called, can have some serious side effects.
Wear & Tear
One of the most visible side effects of teeth grinding is worn-down teeth. This can appear as teeth that look more flattened all the way to teeth that are visibly chipped or fractured. When you grind your teeth, you’re consistently putting intense pressure on your teeth. Unfortunately, what makes your teeth so strong is what can also cause them damage. Over time this wear and tear can become so severe that it leads to broken fillings, broken teeth, or even tooth loss.
Teeth Sensitivity
Going along with this idea of wear and tear, teeth grinding can result in teeth sensitivity as the outer enamel layer is worn away. When enamel is damaged, it can expose the inner, more sensitive areas of your tooth. This becomes readily apparent when you go to eat or drink something, especially if it is particularly cold or hot.
Facial Pain
Pain from teeth grinding can manifest in a number of ways. You may find that you often wake up with headaches. You may experience a stiffness or ache in your jaw, coming from the temporomandibular joint where your jaw hinges. It’s also possible for teeth grinding to cause earaches.
Protective Nightguards at Hillstream Dental
If you need help managing your teeth grinding and want to preserve the health of your smile, contact Hillstream Dental today. As part of our comprehensive dental offerings, we offer custom-made nightguards. You wear the guard over your teeth while you’re sleeping to protect them from damage. We have offices in Rochester Hills and St. Clair Shores. Don’t wait any longer to protect your teeth!
