Did you know that teeth grinding can have a devastating impact on your teeth? Over time, not only can you experience chronic jaw pain because of the intense pressure placed on your jaw joints and facial muscles, but you’ll also notice that your pearly whites appear shorter and more “worn down.” If you want to avoid looking older because of this unhealthy habit, learn what you can do to get help and maintain a more youthful appearance.
How Does Teeth Grinding Cause an Aging Appearance?
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, typically occurs at night while asleep. You may not even realize you’re doing it unless you have someone who can tell you, or you notice frequent headaches and increasing jaw pain.
As you grind your teeth, the movement causes the tooth enamel to erode, shortening and flattening your pearly whites over time. Apart from the fact that your teeth will be more likely to crack or break as a result, they’ll also cause you to appear older than you are.
The reason for this is that your facial features will begin to change. Elongated teeth that shorten over time can cause the lips to curve inward and the chin and nose to grow closer together. You might also notice some facial sagging.
What Can Be Done to Minimize Teeth Grinding?
If you want to maintain a youthful appearance and keep from damaging your teeth, you’ll want to talk to your dentist about having a custom-made nightguard created for you to wear while you sleep.
This unique device is far better than anything you’ll buy over the counter simply because it is crafted to match your mouth. Boil-and-bite options might seem like a suitable solution, especially because of the cost, but the reality is that they are often uncomfortable and prove less effective over time.
After taking impressions of your teeth, the model will be sent to a lab where technicians will fabricate your nightguard so that it fits correctly, feels comfortable, and offers maximum protection in keeping your top teeth separated from your bottom ones.
Apart from teeth grinding, eating raw foods and biting your fingernails can also be contributing factors to tooth shortening. Giving up these bad habits as well as inquiring about a custom-made nightguard are helpful ways to not only take back your smile but also improve your appearance.
About the Author
Dr. Ahir is a trusted dentist in Denton who is eager to help patients who are suffering from bruxism. When teeth grinding and clenching make it difficult to open and close the mouth or cause early aging to occur, custom-made nightguards can be created to improve appearances and better protect teeth from touching throughout the night. To learn more, contact us via our website or by calling (940) 514-0333.
