If you often grind your teeth, you likely know it isn’t a good thing to do. Not only does it damage your pearly whites, but this action also leads to headaches, jaw pain, and TMJ disorders. However, were you aware that teeth grinding in Painesville can even make you look older? Indeed, it tends to age your face pretty quickly. That said, though, your local dentist is here to keep that from happening. Read on to learn how grinding teeth ages you and some tips for quitting the habit.
How Does Grinding My Teeth Age My Looks?
Besides causing chips or cracks, grinding your teeth can make them shorter over time. Such a change often leads your face to develop a sagging appearance. Worse yet, correcting this effect requires expensive cosmetic work.
The problem generally stems from how faces are structured. When teeth shorten from grinding, the resulting bone loss affects surrounding facial muscles. From there, the skin of your face gradually starts to sag more and look older. It’ll be especially noticeable around your mouth or chin.
Tips for Preventing Teeth Grinding
Fortunately, there are ways to prevent damage from teeth grinding and similar habits. They include the following:
Wear a Night Guard
For most dental patients, teeth grinding occurs while they’re asleep. That being the case, you might want to wear a night guard for protection. That way, the appliance will stop the damage from biting or grinding during your snooze.
Of course, you can’t count on a night guard to stop your grinding altogether. Still, it will prevent excessive wear and maintain the soft lines of your jaw.
Avoid “Tooth-Wearing” Foods
Just as clenching and grinding can shorten teeth, certain foods can do the same if you aren’t careful. Therefore, avoid foods like nuts, citrus fruits, peanut butter, and coffee — these items can alternately chip or erode your teeth and thus make them shorter. If you do have them, though, remember to wash them down with water.
Don’t Bite Your Nails
Bad oral habits like biting your nails, chewing hard ice, and so on can trigger the same microfractures that bruxism causes in your enamel. Needless to say, then, don’t give in to them.
See Your Dentist Often
By seeing your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings, they can identify your grinding early and devise a treatment plan. Consequently, they’d stop the process that leads to a saggy face.
As you can see, teeth grinding in Painesville does more than hurt your pearly whites. Therefore, follow the tips above to keep this activity from aging your face!
About the Practice
The Painesville Dental Group is based in Painesville, OH. Led by its excellent team of dentists, our practice ensures patients receive great and affordable dental care. As such, we perform preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, as well as emergency tooth procedures. Our office also prides itself on offering TMJ and periodontal therapies. For more information or to book a visit, reach us on our website or call us at (440)-576-7040.