Years of friction can make gradual changes to your teeth, though for many these changes will be difficult to identify. This is thanks to the remarkable strength of dental enamel, which can withstand considerable pressure over time. However, some people may notice that their teeth have started to look dull, or that they appear to be losing their shape. One cause of this visible wear and tear is bruxism, a problem with teeth grinding. You may not realize just how often you grind your teeth, as many people do it while they are asleep. If this problem does affect you, it can lead to gradual wear and tear as well as problems with jaw pain, or even chips and cracks in your teeth! Our Tucson, AZ dentist’s office can recognize signs of teeth grinding, and we can talk with you about keeping your smile safe against this problem.

Teeth Grinding Can Lead To Discomfort And Dental Damage

The short term consequences of teeth grinding can be hard to miss, and difficult to tolerate. You may have problems with jaw pain and sensitivity when you wake up, and notice that your teeth feel sore. Over time, you may see changes in your teeth, as they can start to lose their shape or appear worn down. This can interfere with the quality of your smile while also making you appear older.

Using A Custom Appliance To Stop Nightly Grinding And Clenching

During the day, you can work on consciously relaxing your jaw when you begin to grind or clench. Unfortunately, this is not an effective strategy while you are sleeping! To stop nightly issues with bruxism from hurting your smile and oral health, your dentist can provide you a custom oral appliance that keeps your teeth safe and separated while you are resting. The guard’s presence can also reduce stress on your joints and muscles, which can lead to a reduction in discomfort.

Restoring Teeth That Are Damaged Or Misshapen

If you already have concerns over teeth that look unattractive, treatment can help! If the damage is only superficial, a cosmetic dental procedure can be a conservative answer to your problem. However, if you have issues that affect your bite, or if your teeth are damaged and in poor health, it can be more appropriate to use dental crowns to restore them.

Your Tucson, AZ Dentist’s Office Can Help You Deal With Teeth Grinding

At our Tucson, AZ dentist’s office, patients who struggle with teeth grinding issues can discuss treatment. In addition to helping protect your teeth from further harm, we can recommend treatment to restore teeth that already appear less attractive as a result of friction from grinding and clenching. To find out more, please call Newman Dental at 520-296-5439.