How Does Teeth Grinding Affect Your Teeth Over Time?

Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is a common dental issue that often goes unnoticed until it begins to wreak havoc on your teeth and oral health. This involuntary clenching or grinding of teeth, usually occurring during sleep, might seem harmless at first, but its long-term effects can be detrimental. In this blog, we’re going over ways teeth grinding can affect your teeth.

Tooth Erosion

The continuous grinding motion exerts excessive pressure on your teeth, wearing down the enamel, the protective outer layer. As the enamel erodes, teeth become more susceptible to sensitivity, pain, and even cracks, leading to a heightened risk of tooth decay and cavities.

Tooth Sensitivity

Worn enamel exposes the dentin beneath, which contains microscopic tubules leading to the tooth’s nerve center. This exposure causes heightened tooth sensitivity to temperature changes and certain foods and beverages.

Gum Recession

Bruxism not only affects your teeth but also your gums. The force generated by grinding can cause gum recession, where the gum tissue pulls away from the teeth, exposing the delicate roots. This can lead to increased tooth sensitivity and vulnerability to root decay.

Jaw Pain & TMJ Disorders

The excessive pressure from grinding can strain the jaw muscles and joints. This can result in jaw pain, discomfort, and even temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. TMJ disorders can cause chronic pain, difficulty opening and closing the mouth, and headaches.

Bruxism & Sleep Disruption

Bruxism can disrupt your sleep, leaving you tired and fatigued during the day. Not only does this impact your overall well-being, but it can also exacerbate the grinding issue.

Learn How to Manage Teeth Grinding at Springhurst Hills Dentistry

To address teeth grinding’s adverse effects, it’s crucial to seek professional dental care. At Springhurst Hills Dentistry, our dentist can diagnose the severity of your bruxism and recommend appropriate treatments, such as custom nightguards to protect your teeth while sleeping, stress management techniques, and relaxation exercises.

If you are experiencing these effects of teeth grinding, contact our office today!

Posted on behalf of Dr. Lan Tran, Springhurst Hills Dentistry