Bruxism, or teeth grinding, may not seem like a big deal to some people. People may not be aware that they grind their teeth at night while asleep, or they may grind their teeth while they are under stress while awake.
The truth is that teeth grinding can have a bigger impact on your oral health than you might think. The number of people suffering from bruxism is increasing, and with this condition comes a greater risk for dental problems [1]. What are the long-term impacts of teeth grinding?
Gum Inflammation
When you think of grinding your teeth, you may not think about the impact it has on your periodontal tissue, also known as your gums. However, bruxism can lead to gum inflammation due to the immense pressure it puts on teeth and your tooth roots.
Teeth aren’t meant to grind against each other, and especially not under intense pressure. With this pressure, gum tissue can become inflamed, and the connective tissue that helps hold teeth in place can be damaged, which can lead to loose teeth over time [2].
Broken or Chipped Teeth
Bruxism can cause premature wear of the teeth, which can result in sensitive teeth from tooth enamel damage and even teeth that appear shorter or unnaturally square in shape. However, bruxism can also cause broken or chipped teeth, leading to fractures that could cause a tooth infection and the need for root canal therapy.
If left untreated, teeth grinding can also lead to damaged dental restorations, including crowns, fillings, and bridges [3]. Bruxism can shorten the life of your dental restorations and even lead to a dental emergency due to a broken or damaged restoration.
TMJ Complications
Your temporomandibular joints, which rest on either side of your face and give your jaw the freedom to move, are also impacted by teeth grinding. When you grind your teeth, the temporomandibular joints can take some of the pressure, which can lead to inflammation.
The result may be symptoms of TMJ disorders such as headaches, face or jaw pain, and clicking or popping noises when opening or closing your mouth [4]. Bruxism and TMJ can often go hand in hand, so it’s difficult to treat one without treating the other.
Do You Grind Your Teeth?
If you grind your teeth—or you wake with headaches, an aching jaw, or sore teeth—it’s time to visit your dentist to see what could be causing your bruxism. Dealing with the long-term impacts of teeth grinding can be detrimental to your oral health!
Sources:
1. https://www.ada.org/en/press-room/news-releases/2021-archives/march/new-survey-
finds-stress-related-dental-conditions-continue-to-increase
2. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10955-teeth-grinding-bruxism
3. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/bruxism
4. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bruxism/symptoms-causes/syc-
20356095
