Take a second to imagine someone who’s older. White hair, eye bags, and wrinkles might’ve been some attributes you thought of, but did you know a smile’s appearance can also impact perception? That means a worn grin might be adding a few years to your face. If you struggle with teeth grinding, then this may inadvertently be happening to you. Here’s what you should know and how to stop it.
How Can Teeth Grinding Make Me Look Older Than I Am?
This habit is also called bruxism, but it’s usually subconscious and happens during the night or when you’re stressed. When you do it, excess pressure is applied to your enamel, which can turn into damage. Your teeth may look flatter as a result, or your gums can begin to recede. Chronic jaw pain is another common symptom that you may experience.
These traits are often seen in older adults. This means people will associate you with the later generations because you share them!
What Can I Do About Teeth Grinding?
Although teeth grinding can add years to your appearance, you should try to break this habit. Not only will you preserve your look, but you can also protect your smile from damage. Thankfully, your dentist offers a reliable solution: a custom nightguard. It’s an oral appliance you wear at night that acts as a barrier to the pressure from bruxism. That way, your grin is cushioned.
How Can I Get an Aesthetic Smile Again?
If your grin looks worn, the good news is that there are ways to transform it. Cosmetic dentistry offers reliable solutions like veneers or dental bonding to correct imperfections. Through a consultation with your dentist, they will first address your bruxism. Once you have a reliable solution, you can talk about your smile goals, and they can come up with a plan to get you to them. That way, you get an aesthetic set of teeth that helps you look younger.
About the Author
Dr. Rashmi Barr earned her dental degree from the Texas A&M School of Dentistry in Dallas. She is proud to help patients in Fort Worth with their dental emergencies. By offering same-day urgent visits, Dr. Barr can get to the bottom of your issue, then provide an effective solution. Through a wide range of treatments, you can feel confident about your results. If you struggle with teeth grinding, schedule an appointment or call her office at 817-259-0356.