Teeth grinding, medically known as bruxism, is a condition where a person clenches, grinds, or gnashes their teeth. It often occurs subconsciously, whether awake or asleep. While occasional grinding may not cause harm, consistent or forceful grinding can lead to dental issues, including cavities. Understanding this connection is important for maintaining oral health.
How Grinding Teeth Causes Cavities
Teeth grinding can cause cavities by wearing down the protective outer layer of the teeth, known as enamel. Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body. The repetitive mechanical forces from grinding can erode this enamel, exposing the softer dentin underneath.
When enamel is worn away, teeth become more susceptible to acid attacks from bacteria in the mouth. These bacteria produce lactic acid, which demineralizes the tooth structure, leading to tooth decay and cavities. The intense pressure from grinding can also create microfractures in the enamel. These openings act as pathways for bacteria and acids to penetrate deeper into the tooth, accelerating the decay process.
Other Ways Teeth Grinding Damages Oral Health
Beyond cavities, teeth grinding can cause other oral health problems. The excessive force can lead to chipped, fractured, or loose teeth. This damage can range from minor chips to more severe fractures requiring extensive dental repair, such as crowns or even root canals.
Teeth grinding also results in increased tooth sensitivity. As the enamel wears down, the underlying dentin becomes exposed. This exposure can cause discomfort or pain when consuming hot, cold, or sweet foods and beverages. The constant pressure can also strain the periodontal ligaments that hold teeth in place, leading to gum recession. This recession exposes the tooth roots, making them vulnerable to decay and sensitivity, and can create pockets for bacteria, increasing gum disease risk. The jaw joints, known as temporomandibular joints (TMJ), can also be affected, leading to disorders (TMD) characterized by pain, clicking sounds, or limited jaw movement.
Recognizing Signs of Teeth Grinding
Identifying teeth grinding can be challenging because it often occurs subconsciously, especially during sleep. Several common signs exist. Waking up with a dull headache, particularly in the temples, or experiencing jaw pain or soreness are indicators. Some individuals also report earaches not related to an ear infection.
Visually, teeth may appear flattened, chipped, or fractured, with noticeable wear on the chewing surfaces. Increased tooth sensitivity to temperature changes is also a symptom. If a sleep partner is present, they might report hearing grinding or gnashing sounds during the night. Regular dental check-ups are important as dentists can often spot the signs of bruxism, such as worn enamel or jaw muscle enlargement.
Managing Teeth Grinding
Managing teeth grinding involves several strategies to protect teeth and alleviate symptoms. A common intervention is the use of a custom-fitted mouthguard or splint, worn primarily at night. These appliances create a barrier between the upper and lower teeth, absorbing the grinding forces and preventing further tooth wear and damage. Professionally made mouthguards are designed to fit precisely, offering better protection than over-the-counter options.
Addressing underlying causes, such as stress and anxiety, is also beneficial. Techniques like mindfulness, meditation, regular exercise, and warm baths can help reduce overall stress levels, which are linked to bruxism. Avoiding stimulants like caffeine and alcohol, especially in the evening, can also lessen grinding intensity. In some cases, a healthcare provider might recommend short-term use of muscle relaxants or botulinum toxin injections to relax jaw muscles. Behavioral therapies, such as biofeedback, can help individuals become more aware of and control jaw muscle activity during the day.