It is an unfortunate fact that modern life can be extremely stressful, and many people may find that they grind their teeth at night as a response to excessive stress. Sadly, this action can result in substantial damage to your teeth. Not surprisingly, if you have recently learned that you grind your teeth, there may be a couple of questions you want answered about this habit. 

Why Is Grinding Teeth Harmful?

The friction from grinding your teeth can cause major damage to your teeth's enamel. When the enamel is damaged, it can make a tooth more likely to develop major medical problems. Without this protective layer, it would be easier for bacteria to infect the tooth and cause either abscesses or cavities. 

In addition to these problems with your teeth, grinding can also cause you to experience chronic headaches and jaw pain. The headaches result from muscle strain that is caused by the intense clinching of your jaw muscles. Additionally, the pain from the jaw comes from damage to the nerves due to the intense pressure caused by grinding teeth together. 

Are There Ways To Prevent Patients From Grinding Their Teeth?

Sadly, many people are under the impression that there is nothing that can be done to prevent them from grinding their teeth at night. While you can consciously stop grinding when you notice you are doing it, it can be a far more difficult problem to control if you do while you sleep.  After all, when you are asleep, it is impossible to stop yourself from grinding. Fortunately, medical advances have made it possible to protect your teeth from this threat. 

Mouthguards are specially fitted mouthpieces that will rest comfortably between your teeth. They form a protective layer, and this will prevent you from damaging your teeth when you grind. Typically, patients will not need to wear these devices permanently. Rather, they are intended to be used as a temporary protection until your stress levels drop and you stop grinding while you sleep. 

If you are unfortunate enough to grind your teeth while you sleep at night, you can develop problems with your teeth. Sadly, many people do not realize the amount of damage that can be done by chronically grinding teeth. Cavities, chips, cracks and sensitivity are all problems that can result from grinding your teeth. Luckily, mouthguards can be used to protect your teeth while you break this destructive habit. Contact a company like Cambridge Dental Care for more information.