Most people don’t worry much if they grind their teeth every once in a while. For the most part, they have no reason to worry, unless their habit of grinding their teeth together occurs consistently. Unlike occasional teeth-grinding, chronic teeth-grinding (often a symptom of bruxism) can become the source of several different problems with your tooth structure and oral health. Today, we examine when you should start worrying about teeth-grinding, and why it’s important to seek treatment to stop if it starts to get out of control.

When your teeth start to feel sensitive

The more you grind your teeth together, the more likely the pressure and friction of it will lead to more serious problems with your teeth. The beginning of these problems is often the development of sensitivity in one or more teeth, which can be the result of their tooth enamel weakening. The enamel around your teeth is highly resilient, but it can become weak or damaged under the constant pressure and friction that’s generated when you grind your teeth. If you notice that your teeth feel more sensitive or painful, it may be time to consider your teeth-grinding habit a problem that needs to be resolved.

When your teeth start to wear down

While tooth sensitivity is a common symptom of bruxism, it isn’t always significant enough to cause worry. However, in time, the sensitivity will grow more severe as your teeth become more compromised by unchecked bruxism. For example, the chewing surfaces where your upper and lower teeth meet each other will take the brunt of the grinding pressure. This can cause them to wear down and change over time, which can affect the overall balance of your bite as well as the health and integrity of your teeth. Seeking treatment for bruxism as soon as possible can help you avoid further damage to your teeth, such as one or more of them becoming fractured or broken.

When your teeth become cracked or broken

Tooth sensitivity and wear are among the more common early signs of bruxism. If you notice them and seek treatment promptly, you have a good chance of avoiding more serious concerns later. Unfortunately, not everyone catches and treats their bruxism early, and some may experience more severe consequences before they do. These can include more significant damage to their teeth, including cracks and breaks in one or more of them, and restoring your smile might include repairing one or more teeth as well as addressing your teeth-grinding habit.

Learn how to stop grinding your teeth

If you grind your teeth constantly, it may lead to several concerns with the overall health and integrity of your teeth. To learn more, schedule a consultation by calling the Dental Centre of Conroe in Conroe, TX, today at (936) 441-4600.