Seemingly harmless clenching and grinding can lead to expensive dental problems. We all want to maintain a high quality of life as we age. Being able to chew nutritious foods and maintaining a youthful appearance are vital healthy aging goals. Clenching and grinding are major risks to these goals and should not be overlooked.
How do you know if you grind your teeth? Many people suffer from jaw and ear pain, headaches, or friends and family members can hear or see the grinding or clenching. Cracked teeth, chipped teeth, and short or worn teeth are all signs as well. Comparing your current smile to an old photo can be very informative.
While many people spend thousands of dollars on cosmetics, hair care, cosmetic surgery, and Botox to prevent the appearance of aging, it has been proven that unworn teeth have the most impact on preventing the appearance of an aging face. Once an individual recognizes this fact, they will hopefully seek help from a cosmetic-focused dentist to restore and return their worn teeth and smile back to their unworn appearance. Unfortunately, this realization comes after years or even decades of ignoring the damage from grinding.
