Bruxism, commonly known as teeth grinding, is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Although it commonly occurs during sleep, many people grind their teeth while awake during times of stress.
While occasional teeth grinding may not seem like a big deal, severe or chronic bruxism can result in significant problems. Let’s take a closer look at the long-term impacts of teeth grinding on your teeth and overall health.
Oral Health Problems
The immense pressure placed on the teeth and jaw muscles during bruxism can lead to a variety of dental issues. Since teeth grinding puts much more pressure on the teeth than it takes to chew food—up to 250 pounds of force—teeth can quickly become damaged [1].
As a result, teeth grinding can cause:
- Worn tooth enamel, leading to a higher risk of cavities and discoloration
- Chipped, cracked, or broken teeth
- Loose teeth and tooth loss
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
- Tooth sensitivity
- Flat teeth that look unnaturally even and make it harder to effectively chew food
Impact on Overall Health
Beyond dental health, bruxism can also impact your overall health. The constant clenching not only affects the jaw but can cause headaches and migraines due to the strain placed on facial muscles. Over time, this can lead to earaches and even chronic pain.
Some people with bruxism also experience tension that radiates out from their jaw to their neck, shoulders, and upper back [2]. What might seem like a muscular issue could actually be a problem with teeth grinding or jaw clenching.
Preventing Long-Term Damage
The best way to prevent long-term damage from teeth grinding is to get regular checkups with your dentist. Your dentist can tell if you grind your teeth by looking for signs of bruxism, like unusual wear patterns on molars or craze lines—superficial lines in the teeth that can happen with repeated teeth clenching or grinding.
Perhaps most importantly, your dentist can help you take action now to prevent permanent damage to your smile, saving you from needing extensive dental work in the future to restore your teeth.
Managing Bruxism
While bruxism has the ability to impact your oral health and quality of life, the good news is that treatment is available. Since bruxism can have multiple causes, it’s essential to work with your dentist to help determine the underlying issue and put steps in place to protect your teeth [3].
Your dentist may recommend:
- A custom mouthguard to wear at night to prevent damage to your teeth
- Stress reduction techniques to reduce stress-related teeth grinding
- Lifestyle changes, like minimizing caffeine and alcohol, which can contribute to teeth grinding
- Orthodontic treatment to fix an improper bite that could contribute to bruxism
Protect Your Teeth From Teeth Grinding
If you suspect you clench or grind your teeth, don’t ignore the problem. Contact your dentist today to schedule an exam to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy. Your dentist can identify signs of bruxism and work with you to implement practical solutions to support your smile for years to come.
Sources:
- https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/bruxism
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482466/
- http://mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/teeth-grindingÂ
