Teeth are meant to last a lifetime so you might think there is no way to destroy them. They can be knocked out by while playing sports or due to an accident. They can decay. But destroy? Isn’t that awfully dramatic you may wonder? There are ways to destroy your teeth. Methamphetamine use destroys teeth. The acids in soda can eventually destroy your teeth. But another very destructive habit is bruxing. What is bruxing? Bruxism is the dental term for the chronic grinding and clenching of your teeth. Are you destroying your teeth?
Why Bruxing is Destructive
Bruxing is often done unintentionally. People don’t even know they are bruxing. It can happen while they are asleep, or they can grind while they are awake and concentrating, distracted, worried, stressed, or angry. About eight percent of the American population brux. It tends to be more common in women than in men. Bruxism can be a destructive habit resulting in tooth wear. While bruxism is clenching and grinding your back molars together, it not only can wear the surfaces of your molars and affect your bite, it can also wear down your front teeth. They can become short and stubby or misshapen. This can affect your smile by making your teeth look worn and older. Bruxing can also lead to temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) by putting too much stress and pressure on your jaw joints (TMJs).
Do You Brux?
You may not realize that you clench and grind until you begin experiencing symptoms. Some of these symptoms include:
- Morning headaches
- Pain in the neck and shoulders
- Pain in the facial muscles
- Pain in the jaw joint
- Ear pain
- Ringing in the ears
- Worn teeth
- Misshapen teeth
- Loose teeth
- Tooth loss
Treatment
If you suspect you or someone you know is a bruxer, bring it to the attention of your dentist. Together you can discuss possible treatment options.
YOUR LAFAYETTE, LA COSMETIC DENTIST:
Michael J. Young, DDS, and his skilled team of dental care professionals happily serve patients and their families, living in Breaux Bridge, Broussard, Scott, Youngsville, and surrounding communities. To learn more, contact us today at our Lafayette dentist’s office at 337-237-6453.