Bruxism or teeth grinding is a problem that many people suffer from. The biggest issue with bruxism is that he people who suffer from it, don’t even know it happens. This is because it often occurs when a person sleeps. The only way a person finds out they have bruxism is because someone tells them they grind their teeth while they sleep.
Bruxism is when you grind your teeth together. It can include clenching of the teeth tightly. Most people experience bruxism while they sleep and are not aware of it. The way they find out is through the damage that bruxism causes, or through someone else telling them they hear them grinding their teeth while they sleep. Either way, it is not something to ignore. Bruxism can cause damage in several ways, including broken, chipped or cracked teeth. Some of the biggest dangers from bruxism involves what it does to the enamel of the teeth.
The tooth is made up of different layers. The outermost layer is the enamel. The enamel is a thin layer that is made up of the hardest substances in the body. The enamel protects the inner, softer core of the teeth.
Even though it is hard, it is possible for the enamel to erode for different reasons. The most common reason that the enamel erodes is through the build-up of bacteria and plaque. For people who suffer from bruxism, they have to worry about the way that problem can erode the enamel.
The longer the bruxism goes untreated, the more the enamel will wear away. The places where the enamel is gone become a place for bacteria to grow. That can lead to problems with tooth decay and cavities. It can also weaken the tooth, which could allow the bruxism to break or damage the teeth in other ways.
There are many ways to treat bruxism and prevent the damage to the teeth and enamel. It does not require much and can provide big benefits.
For more information about this or any other oral health issue, contact our office to schedule an appointment.