Oral Habits

In addition to poor dental hygiene (failing to floss, regularly visit your dentist or brush two to three times daily), grinding or clenching your teeth at night is a possible gum disease cause.

Indeed, clenching or grinding your teeth puts excess pressure on the periodontal (gums and supporting) tissues of your teeth and may accelerate the process of tissue destruction, known as periodontal disease.

As well as causing cracked or chipped teeth, grinding is a risk for developing periodontal disease. Dentists or periodontists can make custom-fit bite guards for wear at night to prevent teeth from grinding together when you sleep.

Make sure you and your children not only maintain proper oral hygiene, but monitor night time grinding habits that may eventually lead to periodontitis, or advanced gum disease.