You may have always brushed off teeth grinding or clenching as merely a bad habit. What possible harm could it do, right? Wrong. Let’s find out more about the impacts of this not-so-harmless issue.
Why Worry About Teeth Grinding?
Many people grind their teeth, especially during sleep, without even realizing it. And, while it might seem like a harmless habit, Bruxism (the medical term for clenching or grinding your teeth) puts immense force on your teeth, jaws, and gums. This constant pressure can have serious consequences for your oral health.
Worn Tooth Enamel
One of the most immediate and noticeable effects of teeth grinding is the wearing down of your tooth enamel. Enamel is the hard, protective outer layer of your teeth. Fun fact: it is the strongest substance in the human body. Not-so-fun fact: enamel is not indestructible, and repeated friction from grinding can slowly wear it away.
The jaw is surprisingly strong, and grinding and clenching result in teeth rubbing against one another, slowly stripping enamel. This can lead to oral health problems.
- Increased Tooth Sensitivity: As enamel erodes, the softer layer beneath it, called dentin, becomes exposed. As a result, you may experience sharp pain or sensitivity when consuming hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks.
- Tooth Decay: Enamel protects the teeth. As this layer is reduced, so is the protection it provides.
- Yellowing Teeth: Dentin has a yellowish color. As the translucent enamel layer thins, more of the underlying dentin shows through, making your teeth appear discolored.
- Changes in Tooth Shape: Over time, persistent grinding can physically shorten and flatten your teeth, altering your bite and the appearance of your smile.
Gum Disease and Recession
The intense pressure from grinding doesn’t just affect your teeth; it also puts significant stress on your gums and the underlying bone that supports your teeth. This constant force can damage the gum tissue and contribute to inflammation.
When your gums are under stress, they can become inflamed and start to pull away from your teeth. This process, known as gum recession, creates pockets where harmful bacteria can gather and thrive. If left unmanaged, this can lead to periodontal (gum) disease, a serious infection that damages the soft tissue and bone supporting your teeth. Grinding can accelerate the progression of existing gum disease, making it more difficult to treat.
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD)
Your temporomandibular joints (TMJ) connect your jawbone to your skull. These joints, along with the muscles that control them, are responsible for chewing, speaking, and yawning. The excessive force from chronic teeth grinding places a huge strain on these delicate joints and surrounding muscles.
This can lead to temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMD, a condition characterized by pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and muscles.
Common symptoms of TMD include:
- Pain or tenderness in your jaw, face, neck, and shoulders
- Difficulty or pain while chewing
- A clicking, popping, or grating sound when opening or closing your mouth
- Locking of the jaw joint, making it difficult to open or close your mouth
- Frequent headaches or earaches
Tooth Cracks and Fractures
The force generated during teeth grinding can be far more powerful than you would think, even more than the force used for normal chewing. This significant pressure can cause your teeth to crack, chip, or even fracture.
Even minor cracks can be problematic, as they create pathways for bacteria to enter the inner parts of the tooth, leading to decay and infection. A fractured tooth is a serious dental emergency that may require extensive treatment, such as a crown, root canal, or, in severe cases, extraction. Existing fillings or crowns can also be damaged or dislodged by the forces of grinding.
Protecting Your Smile from Grinding
If you suspect you are grinding your teeth, seek professional advice ASAP. The effects of Bruxism are progressive, meaning they will only get worse over time if the habit continues.
Contact our office today to schedule an evaluation, and mention your suspicions about tooth grinding or clenching. We can determine if you are grinding your teeth and recommend the best course of action to protect your smile!