Grinding of the teeth is a condition that many people have without realizing it, and this is mainly because grinding of the teeth is an act that occurs while people sleep. The problem is that grinding your teeth is damaging to your mouth, and it is not something you should ignore. If you are not sure if you do this, here are the signs you should look for, as well as the risks you have if you do not seek treatment for this problem.

The signs that you grind your teeth

If you grind your teeth at night, there are some signs that you should look for that will help you determine if you might have this bad habit. The first type of sign involves pain you feel when you wake up. If you wake up feeling like your jaw is sore, tight, and locked up, you might be a tooth grinder. People who grind their teeth also experience ear pain, jaw pain, and headaches. They often feel facial pain they cannot explain, and they may even develop temporomandibular joint disorder, also called TMJ.

Additionally, people who grind their teeth often have signs of grinding on their teeth. Repeated grinding of the teeth often causes teeth to wear down and become shorter. Grinding also leads to cracks in teeth and broken teeth. If you are experiencing any of these signs, talk to your dentist to find out what you can do about it.

The risks of grinding your teeth

Failing to treat this habit will often lead to problems with the teeth, and there are several different problems you might experience. The first is developing TMJ, which is a painful jaw disorder that can be hard to treat. Secondly, you might end up needing more dental work due to a loss of enamel on your teeth. Your teeth will also be vulnerable to developing cavities if they do not have any enamel on them. If you crack or break a tooth from grinding, you may end up in need of dental crowns on your teeth.

If you grind your teeth while you sleep, your dentist might be able to tell simply by looking at your teeth. If you do this, your dentist can help you find a way to stop grinding while you sleep, so that you can protect your teeth and stop causing damage to them. To learn more, schedule a visit today with a local cosmetic dentistry clinic.

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