Keeping up with good dental health can seem like a lot. For instance, you have to brush your teeth at least twice every day and floss at least once to keep oral bacteria and plaque at bay. You should also be cautious with your eating habits, taking care not to overindulge on sugar that could lead to tooth decay. For many people, the tendency to grind their teeth is another significant concern to their long-term dental health. If you consistently do it, then you should worry about grinding your teeth too much and what effect it could have on your teeth and smile.
How to know if you grind your teeth too much
The problem with constant teeth-grinding, also known as bruxism, is that many patients don’t realize they have a problem at all. Persistent grinders may not always notice that they’re doing it, and many experience teeth-grinding most often at night, while they sleep. Fortunately, you can tell if you grind your teeth too much by paying attention to other common signs, like increasing tooth sensitivity and worn, damaged tooth surfaces.
What could happen if you keep grinding your teeth
Over time, the repetitive pressure and friction of teeth-grinding can wear down your teeth’s chewing surfaces and make your teeth structurally weaker. The pressure may also force one or more of your teeth out of alignment; make your teeth more susceptible to decay; and increase your chances of developing gum disease around shifted teeth.
How to stop grinding your teeth excessively
The good news for bruxism patients is that, once the condition is diagnosed, treating it is typically easy. For instance, many people can protect their teeth with a custom-designed oral appliance, which protects your teeth from the damages of grinding. Treatment may also include one or more restorative measures to repair worn or damaged teeth.
