When you run your tongue along the top of your molars, or back teeth, do they feel flatter than they used to? Some patients ask us why this may be the case, when it seems, just a few years ago their teeth felt more defined on the top surface. Is this an issue? What could have caused this flatter effect on their teeth?
Normal use is a consideration. You use your teeth a lot! The molars are primarily used to grind food during chewing. The Latin name for molar means millstone tooth. These teeth are designed to sustain a great amount of force from chewing your food.
Could it be Bruxism?
Bruxism is the act of clenching or grinding your teeth. Most often this is an unconscious movement, and it can occur during the day or night. For the majority of the population, this is not a problem. However, when clenching or grinding of the teeth happens regularly or excessively, the teeth can be damaged and ground off creating a smoother surface on the molar. After time, your tongue will suspect something is going on in your mouth if your teeth feel flatter than normal.
The molars can get worn out and appear flat as if the surface of their teeth were filed. Cracks can develop in the teeth as abnormal clenching and grinding continues. Other problems too can persist as the patient grinds their teeth excessively. If you feel like your teeth are flatter than normal, give our office a call.
We Can Help You With Your Bruxism Issues
Early treatment is the key to avoiding long term problems. In this case, treating bruxism early can prevent further damage to your molars. Contact our office to see how treatment can help you both now and in the future.
Office Hours Monday: 9 AM to 5 PM Tuesday: 8 AM to 5 PM Wednesday: 8 AM to 5 PM Thursday: 8 AM to 5 PM Friday: CLOSED
Dental Blog | Platte Valley Dental Care | Platte City Dentist Staci Blaha, DDS and Trent Blaha, DDS have created this informative blog to help educate the community of Platte City, MO Did you like a topic? Please contact us today! Platte Valley Dental Care, 1316 Plaza Court, Platte City, MO 64079-7628 • (816)858-2027 • pvdentalcare.com • 5/28/2023 • Key Phrases: dentist •
When you run your tongue along the top of your molars, or back teeth, do they feel flatter than they used to? Some patients ask us why this may be the case, when it seems, just a few years ago their teeth felt more defined on the top surface. Is this an issue? What could have caused this flatter effect on their teeth?