It's A Grind: 4 Problems You Could Face If You Keep Grinding Your Teeth
If you're one of those people who grind their teeth, you need to talk to your dentist. You might think that it's a harmless habit that doesn't bother anyone – other than the person you sleep with when you make noises all night long. However, teeth grinding can be very harmful to your teeth, and to you. In fact, grinding your teeth can lead to some significant dental problems. Here are just four of the reasons you need to stop grinding your teeth.
1. Flattened Bite Surface
When you grind your teeth, your wear away at the biting surface. If you grind your teeth long enough, you diminish your ability to bite down on your food properly. Not only that, but because the biting edges of your teeth are now smooth, you won't be able to bite through your food. Not only that, but it will eventually alter the size and shape of your teeth. If you grind your teeth, you need to talk to your dentist about available treatment options.
2. Loss of Enamel
In addition to the loss of biting edge, grinding your teeth will also lead to the loss of enamel. Without the protective layer of enamel on your teeth, you'll be susceptible to tooth sensitivity, pain, and even tooth decay. Don't lose the enamel on your teeth. Have your family dentist provide you with treatment options and recommendations on how to break the habit.
3. Breaks or Cracks
If you grind your teeth on a regular basis, you're placing a lot of unnecessary pressure on your jaw and your teeth. You might not realize this, but the average person expends about 171 pounds of pressure each time they bite down with their molars. That's a lot of pressure to be putting on your teeth each night. Over time, you could end up with breaks and cracks in your teeth. You might not even notice the cracks until you start experiencing pain, or the damage begins to decay. Don't put that much pressure on your teeth. Schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.
4. Jaw Pain
When you grind your teeth, you also put pressure on your jaw. Each time you grind your teeth, your jaw moves in a back and forth, and circular motion. The nightly teeth grinding can put so much pressure on your jaw that you'll begin to experience pain when you chew, speak, or try to open your mouth. You can avoid the discomfort by talking to your dentist about possible treatment options such as custom mouth guards, which you can wear at night to prevent the grinding.