Side Effects of Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can occur when awake or asleep. Some people clench their jaws during the day without realizing it, while others grind their teeth in their sleep until someone else points it out to them. While mild teeth grinding might not require any treatment, too much of it can cause severe issues over time. In many cases, you might not notice any teeth grinding damage until it’s too late.

Since it’s not always possible to know if you grind your teeth, you need to be on the lookout for some of the effects of teeth grinding. Here are some of the more common side effects of grinding teeth that might be affecting you.

Pain

Teeth grinding puts a lot of pressure and stress on your jaws and the surrounding muscles. This pressure usually causes pain and stiffness in your jaw, but it can also cause headaches, toothaches, neck and shoulder pain, and even earaches if you don’t address your teeth grinding habit.

Temporomandibular Disorders

In addition to pain in your jaw, grinding your teeth can lead to temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). These disorders can cause pain in your jaw, neck, and face, resulting in difficulty chewing, speaking, and swallowing.

Tooth Damage

Tooth damage is a prevalent side effect of grinding teeth. Teeth are naturally very tough, but frequent grinding can wear away tooth enamel, which will decrease the height of your teeth and make them more sensitive. Excessive teeth grinding can even cause teeth to crack and damage any fillings, crowns, bridges, or dental implants that you already have. It can also cause teeth to shift and loosen over time, eventually leading to tooth loss.

Gum Recession

Grinding your teeth can cause your gum line to recede. As your teeth shift and loosen from constant grinding, you can form pockets in your gums where bacteria can enter and cause your gums to pull away from your teeth.

Sleepless Nights

Many people who grind their teeth do so in their sleep. While some people sleep through their excessive grinding, it can keep others up at night, especially when it starts to cause chronic pain. If you find yourself waking up in the middle of the night with a tired or sore jaw, this could be why.

Teeth grinding may seem like a minor issue, but while some grinding won’t cause too many serious problems, it can lead to chronic oral health issues if it goes unchecked. Fortunately, treatments are available for those who grind or clench their teeth. Some of these treatments address the side effects of grinding teeth, while others may be able to break you of the habit once and for all. If you don’t think you can stop grinding your teeth in your sleep, your dentist might prescribe a night guard or splints to prevent teeth grinding damage. If the damage to your teeth is particularly severe, your dentist might also reshape your teeth or use crowns to repair the damage.

You might also be able to prevent grinding your teeth in the first place by reducing your stress levels, especially if you grind your teeth when you’re nervous or upset. Find things that help you relax, such as listening to music or practicing meditation. Muscle relaxers have also proven effective for people who grind their teeth in their sleep. It is also possible that your dentist can teach you to change your behavior and alter your jaw and mouth position to make clenching your jaw less likely. In any case, grinding your teeth can become a severe problem if you don’t address it. If you suspect that you grind your teeth or have experienced any of these symptoms, contact us to schedule an appointment today. Just call your nearest Fortson Dentistry location. We will be happy to answer your questions and help you prevent serious teeth grinding damage.