The Dangers of Teeth Grinding: What You Need to Know | Dentist Near Me
January 2025
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a common habit that many individuals develop without even realizing it. Although it may seem harmless, grinding your teeth can lead to a variety of dental issues. If you or your child have been dealing with this condition, it’s important to see a dentist in South Barrington as soon as possible. Our team at Poldek Family Dental is here to help assess any damage caused by teeth grinding and provide solutions to prevent further harm. Here’s what you need to know about bruxism and how to protect your smile.
Why Do We Grind Our Teeth?
Teeth grinding can be caused by multiple factors. Stress and anxiety are two of the most common contributors, particularly for adults. Additionally, sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, and an improper bite can lead to bruxism. If your teeth are not properly aligned, they may rub together as you chew or bite, which can result in grinding. Many people unknowingly grind their teeth during sleep, unaware of the damage they’re causing.
Research has shown that certain lifestyle choices can increase the likelihood of grinding. For example, smoking and alcohol consumption have been linked to higher rates of bruxism. Smokers and those who drink alcohol regularly are found to be twice as likely to grind their teeth compared to non-smokers and non-drinkers.
How Does Teeth Grinding Affect Your Smile?
Grinding your teeth can have a significant impact on your oral health. Over time, it wears down tooth enamel, leading to increased tooth sensitivity and even tooth fractures. Teeth can also become flattened from the constant grinding. This not only affects the appearance of your teeth but can also make them more vulnerable to cavities and further damage.
In addition to damaging your teeth, bruxism can cause jaw pain, headaches, and even temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. If you wake up with a sore or tired jaw, it could be a sign that you’ve been grinding your teeth throughout the night. It’s important to seek professional help to address this issue before it leads to more serious complications.
What We Can Do to Help
If you’re experiencing teeth grinding, don’t wait for it to cause pain and sensitivity. Schedule an appointment with us at Poldek Family Dental today. We will evaluate the extent of the damage and develop a personalized treatment plan to protect your teeth. In some cases, we may recommend wearing a custom-made mouth guard while you sleep to prevent further grinding.
If stress is the main cause of your bruxism, we’ll also discuss techniques to help reduce anxiety and stress levels, which can significantly reduce grinding. For children, the cause of grinding is often related to an improper bite or misalignment of the teeth, which can be addressed through orthodontic treatment.
Grinding your teeth can lead to severe damage if not treated, but with the right solutions, you can protect your smile. To learn more about how we can help you manage and treat bruxism, contact our office today to schedule an appointment. We look forward to helping you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile!
