Your teeth have to be strong to be able to bite and grind your food so often without sustaining any damage. Under normal circumstances, they are; however, a number of things can weaken your teeth and make them liable to crack or break.
For instance, grinding your teeth together – a condition known as bruxism – exposes them to excessive amounts of pressure. With no food between your teeth, the pressure can wear them down, damage their structures, and in some cases, force them out of proper alignment.
Bruxism is more than occasionally grinding your teeth; it’s a condition that occurs frequently and often unconsciously, and can seriously threaten your smile. For many patients, bruxism is more apparent at night, and may find relief from a protective nightguard. Yet, if you notice yourself teeth grinding during the day, then be conscious of the action and make an effort to stop.
It can be tempting to simply use your teeth to cut the string off of that shirt, or to bite your nails when you’re nervous. Yet, biting nails and inanimate objects could also fuel the urge to grind your teeth. Be sure not to utilize your teeth for anything other processing your food to help defeat the urge to grind your teeth.
Typically, you can find relief from bruxism temporarily, but you will still need professional dental treatment to stop bruxism and repair any damages that your teeth may have incurred. If your teeth feel sensitive, or if you notice that one or more teeth appear worn down, then call our office to schedule a bruxism examination as soon as possible. The sooner you treat bruxism, the more potential damage you can avoid.