Your smile can face trouble from a number of different sources. Your diet might be exposing your teeth to an excess of sugars and acids, which can lead to cavities and wear down your enamel. You could be at risk for discoloration thanks to tobacco use, or a tendency to enjoy dark beverages like coffee or tea. If you suffer from bruxism, or a tendency to grind your teeth unconsciously, your smile could suffer. That grinding can be powerful enough to produce wear and tear. In time, your habit of clenching your jaw could lead to damage that requires restorative dental work to address.

How Bruxism Can Lead To TMJ Pain

One problem people with bruxism can face is frequent pain in their face, teeth, jaws, and head. When you grind your teeth, it puts pressure on your temporomandibular joints (your jaw joints, or TMJs). This pressure can build to the point that you endure regular discomfort, including chronic headaches. A special oral device from your dentist can help you relieve TMJ pains, and put a stop to bruxism.

Using Cosmetic Dentistry To Address Small Chips And Cracks

Small chips and cracks that form in the wake of bruxism can hurt how you look. If you want to regain your healthy, best-looking smile, talk to your dentist about cosmetic dental work. A procedure can cover up small damages that affect how your teeth look. The results of this work can be a younger-looking, more attractive smile. You should know that if the damage you suffered is too serious, restorative work might be called for.