Why You Should Mention Teeth-Grinding to Your Dentist

Sometimes, you might have a concern that you aren’t sure you should mention to your dentist. For instance, if you grind your teeth enough to worry you, you might hesitate to bring it up because you believe everyone grinds their teeth occasionally. While this is true, excessively grinding your teeth can indicate a more serious problem known as bruxism, which can have several serious impacts on your oral health if it isn’t addressed as soon as possible. At our Albuquerque, NM, dental office, we can help you determine if you have bruxism, and how to protect your teeth with a custom-designed oral appliance.

Because it’s uncontrollable

Bruxism is an uncontrollable tendency to grind your teeth, and it can often occur when you sleep at night as well as throughout the day. If you notice yourself doing it, then you may be able to force yourself to stop grinding your teeth for the moment. However, it will continue to happen until you address the underlying cause of it. This is only possible with the help of your dentist, which is why you should mention any concerns you have about teeth-grinding during your next routine checkup and cleaning appointment.

Because your teeth can only take so much

The reason bruxism is such a concern is because, before long, the excessive pressure and friction of constantly grinding your teeth will begin to wear them down. Their chewing surfaces will change, making it harder for your bite to function properly. They’ll also grow weaker and become more susceptible to cracking or breaking under the pressure of grinding. When healthy, teeth are the strongest parts of your body, but if you neglect to mention your teeth-grinding condition to your dentist, then you may end up destroying one or more of their structures.

Because you can stop it with help from your dentist

The good news is that, if you have bruxism, you can treat it and manage it effectively and in a highly conservative manner. After diagnosing your bruxism, your dentist can custom-design an appliance that you can wear at night, and that protects your teeth from grinding against each other while you sleep. If necessary, your dentist can also design an appropriate restoration to repair any tooth damage that your bruxism may have already caused.

Get help to stop grinding your teeth

If you grind your teeth constantly or feel as though you do even if you don’t always notice it, then mention it to your dentist during your next visit. For more information, schedule a consultation with us by calling Snow Park Dental in Albuquerque, NM, today at (505) 299-2979.

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