Here's Why Getting A Grinding Guard Is A Good Idea
Posted on: 12 June 2019
Grinding teeth is one of those things that's unfortunately easy for people to overlook. This is partially because many people who grind their teeth only do so in their sleep, and as with all things, it's kind of hard to notice what you're doing when you're unconscious. However, other people will overlook this issue just because they don't think that it's causing any major danger to themselves. Unfortunately, if you don't take steps to protect yourself with a grinding guard, you could be setting the stage for any of these three problems.
Tooth Damage
One of the first problems that develops due to tooth grinding is tooth damage. Over days, months, or even years of grinding your teeth, the teeth will eventually start to wear down as a result.
This kind of damage can come in different forms. For some people, they'll simply notice that their teeth seem worn down, shorter, or ragged on the edges. For others, the grinding may be so intense and severe that they crack one or more teeth completely. In either case, repairs will need to be made to the teeth, and cosmetic work may also need to be performed to restore your prior appearance.
Bony Growths
Harmless, but annoying, bony growths can form in your mouth as a result of grinding your teeth. These bony lumps are called torii, and they form under your gums.
These lumps are generally benign and don't pose a hazard to your health. However, it can be quite annoying to have a bony bulge pushing out from under your gums. Your gums may be sensitive or painful as a result, and in extreme cases when no treatment is provided for the tooth grinding, the torii can become large enough that your gums can recede away from the teeth. When this happens, gum disease can start developing, so it's important to get help if you notice one of these bony growths.
Temporomandibular Joint Problems
Finally, temporomandibular joints often go unnoticed completely by people when they're healthy, but when they have a problem, it can be unbearable.
Temporomandibular joints are the joints that allow your jaw to function like a hinge. When they're healthy and normal, your mouth can open, close, grind, and chew the way that it should. However, with long-term grinding, your temporomandibular joints can undergo abnormal pressure that can damage them. Scar tissue, swelling, inflammation, and tissue damage can potentially impact the joint, making it painful and stiff. You might experience clicking or popping in the joints, too, which is unpleasant especially because it's directly under your ears.
If you grind your teeth, you ought to talk to your dentist about getting a grinding guard to put an end to it. Your teeth and overall oral health will be better off for it, and you won't need to worry about developing these problems anymore. Contact a dentist such as Elizabeth Loseke DDS today for more help.
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