Teeth grinding, also called bruxism, may not seem like a serious problem at first. Many people grind their teeth at night without realizing it. However, left untreated, grinding can damage your teeth and lead to other oral health concerns.
How Grinding Affects Your Teeth
Repeated grinding wears down the chewing surfaces of your teeth. The constant force can make teeth flatter, shorter, and more prone to cracking. Once enamel is worn away, it does not grow back.
As the damage progresses, teeth can become sensitive to hot and cold. Weakened teeth may eventually chip or fracture. In severe cases, grinding can damage existing dental work like fillings and crowns until they need to be repaired or replaced.
Issues Can Affect More Than Your Teeth
Untreated grinding can also strain the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). You may experience jaw pain, headaches, earaches, or muscle tension. Some patients notice chronic discomfort that affects their sleep and daily life.
How Night Guards Help
A common way to manage teeth grinding is with a custom night guard. Your dentist custom-fits the night guard, and you wear it while you sleep. By creating a barrier between your upper and lower teeth, the guard absorbs grinding forces and helps protect your enamel from further wear.
If you suspect you may be grinding your teeth, call Thomas Family Dentistry in Hermitage, PA, for an evaluation.