Cosmetic Dentistry Directory Blog

Everyone grinds their teeth on occasion. Grinding or clenching your teeth is a normal response to anger, anxiety or when your sleep is disturbed. When you grind or clench your teeth on a regular basis, however, you may have a condition called bruxism.

Bruxism can have a negative effect on tooth enamel, gums, bone and your jaw and is frequently associated with temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). An estimated 20 percent of the waking population and eight percent of the sleeping population experience ongoing bruxism resulting in damage.

Grinding and clenching of teeth can begin in childhood. Approximately 15 percent of children reportedly grind or clench their teeth. This can have an especially negative impact on the enamel and condition of young, still developing teeth. Generally, bruxism typically diminishes with time but may return in adulthood due to regular life pressures, among other things.

Tooth enamel normally wears down at a rate of approximately 0.3 millimeters every ten years. Those who suffer from bruxism can commonly experience two millimeters of enamel wear by their mid-twenties.

Over time, this clenching and grinding problem can take a significant toll on a person's teeth resulting in damage such as:

• Front teeth worn down so they are flat and even in length
  
• Micro-cracks and broken fillings, eventually leading to nerve damage
  
• Teeth ground down to the dentin, causing sensitivity to heat and cold
  
• Gum recession, due to pressure on the gum line
  
• Loose teeth produced by the back-and-forth rocking effect
  
• Headache and aching jaws due to TMJ/TMD
  

There are treatments available to manage the condition. A cosmetic dentist can perform restorative work to return your smile to something you'll be proud of, as well as relieve any tension that has built up in your jaw.

For more information on teeth grinding and how to repair the damage done, please contact the Cosmetic Dentistry Directory to find an experienced cosmetic dentist in your area.