Do you grind your teeth at night or clench them during your stressful workday? It may not seem like a serious issue, but it can become one over time. The tendency to grind or clench your teeth is called bruxism, and if it happens regularly, can threaten your oral health. Luckily, the dentist at Kemper Pond Dental in Cincinnati, OH, can help.

So, how exactly does this habit affect your oral health? Here are a few effects:

• Tooth Sensitivity: Bruxism can lead to the eroding of the enamel and sensitive teeth.
• Tooth Decay: This enamel erosion and tooth sensitivity can worsen to lead to tooth decay and fractured teeth that may require fillings.
• Muscle Enlargement: This outcome is rare but possible. The repetitive grinding motion can cause muscle enlargement, potentially leading to inflammation, pain, and dry mouth.
• Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD): Bruxism can also lead to TMD. Those afflicted often experience chronic pain in the mouth joint area, difficulty opening their mouths, and clicking noises while eating.

The obvious solution to prevent these problems is to simply stop grinding your teeth. However, many people practice the habit unconsciously, including while they sleep. In this case, a mouth guard is a great tool to prevent unwanted grinding. Ask your dentist for the details.

At Kemper Pond Dental, they offer all of this and more. Their state-of-the-art office offers bruxism treatments, dental crowns, veneers, and many more specialty options. Prevent problems later on by taking care of your dental health today. For all your general, specialty, and cosmetic dentistry needs, leave it to the best dentist in Cincinnati. Call Kemper Pond Dental at (513) 531-4069, or visit their website.