When you think about the effects of aging, you might consider wrinkles, gray hair, or changes in your skin. But did you know that your teeth and jaw can also influence how old you look? If you regularly grind or clench your teeth, a condition known as bruxism, you may gradually experience changes to your smile and facial appearance that can make you look older.
How Does Teeth Grinding Affect Your Smile?
Teeth are remarkably strong, but they are not indestructible. Repeated grinding puts excessive pressure on your teeth and can gradually wear away the enamel. Over time, teeth may become shorter, flatter, or more chipped.
As your teeth lose their natural height, your bite can change. Significant tooth wear may reduce the vertical dimension between your upper and lower jaws, which can affect the overall appearance of the lower third of your face.
Shorter teeth can also make your smile appear aged. Younger-looking smiles often have visible tooth length and natural contours, while heavily worn teeth can create a flatter, more compressed appearance.
Can Grinding Change Your Face?
The effects of bruxism aren’t limited to your teeth. Constantly contracting the jaw muscles can cause them to become enlarged or tense. This may make the jawline appear broader or more pronounced.
In addition, severe tooth wear can contribute to changes in your bite and facial proportions. While everyone’s face responds differently, long-term grinding can potentially contribute to an older-looking facial appearance.
Grinding Can Cause Other Dental Problems
Cosmetic changes aren’t the only concern. Persistent teeth grinding can contribute to cracked or fractured teeth, chipped enamel, tooth sensitivity, headaches, and jaw discomfort. It can also place excessive stress on fillings, crowns, veneers, and other dental restorations.
Because bruxism often happens while you are asleep, you may not even realize you are grinding your teeth. A partner may notice the sound, or your dentist may identify signs of wear during a routine examination.
How Can You Protect Your Smile?
If your dentist determines that you grind or clench your teeth, they may recommend a custom nightguard or other treatment based on the underlying cause and severity of your bruxism. A properly designed oral appliance can help protect your teeth from excessive contact while you sleep.
Your dentist can also look for contributing factors and monitor your teeth for signs of progressive wear. Addressing grinding early may help prevent more significant damage and preserve your natural tooth structure.
Teeth grinding doesn’t automatically mean you will look older, but chronic, untreated bruxism can contribute to tooth wear and changes that affect your smile and facial appearance. The earlier you recognize the signs, the more opportunities you have to protect your teeth.
About the Author
Port Charlotte, FL dentist Dr. Bryan Villescas is a graduate of the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine. He’s continued to stay current in his field by taking courses from prestigious organizations including the Academy of General Dentistry and SPEAR Education. Dr. Villescas has years of experience treating bruxism and welcomes you to Caring Way Dentistry of Port Charlotte to be fitted for a long-lasting, custom-made nightguard if you’re always on the grind. Visit our website for booking and more information or call (941) 627-9900.