Whatever your excuse, try to overcome it. Let’s face it, wearing a night grinding guard is not the sexiest look, but the decision is more complex than that. Here is what night grinding can do to your teeth.

Bruxism is the medical term that refers to the forceful grinding and clenching of your teeth. This could happen consciously or unconsciously with varying severity. It’s a fairly common condition, but it can be very destructive if not properly taken care of.

Persistent grinding can lead to wearing down enamel, flattened teeth, sensitivity, receding gum line or cracked teeth. All of these are not simple and cheap fixes. Patients will need root canals, tooth extractions, crowns, implants, veneers and more.

“Embarrassingly, I do not wear a mouthguard as often as I should. And so it shouldn't come as a big surprise that I would have damage, but never in a million years did I think I would end up with a crown and a tooth extraction due to simply grinding my teeth at night,” says long time bruxer, Rita Shelley.

“I guess I put a lot of effort into damaging my teeth and such as simple thing as a mouthguard can prevent all that damage. I now have to spend hundreds of dollars on a bridge, because I'm too young to walk around without a tooth!,” she added.

The unfortunate truth is that there is no direct cure for bruxism. But the good news is that wearing a night guard, stress management and biofeedback are just a few of the many treatments available for those with bruxism.

The night guard is the device that will ultimately save your teeth. Having a direct barrier between your teeth will prevent the damage. But purchasing the guard is only half of the battle. You have to actually wear it!

The less of a hindrance the guard is the more likely you will be to wear it. This is why purchasing the right mouthguard for you is essential. You want a guard that is comfortable, protective and within your budget. A custom fit mouthguard will not only protect the unique crevices of your teeth, it will also feel snug and secure.

If you start notice wear on your teeth, pay a visit to your dentist to check for damage and talk about potential treatments. Chances are they’re going to bring up mouthguards. It may not be the next new look for America’s Next Top Model, but neither is missing teeth!