The Impact of Teeth Grinding on Your Body What You Need to Know

Do you ever catch yourself clenching your jaw during stressful moments or wake up with a sore face? You might be experiencing bruxism, a condition where you grind or clench your teeth, often without even realizing it.

Bruxism isn’t just an annoying habit it can lead to serious issues, from tooth damage to sleep disturbances. We spoke with dental experts to uncover what really happens to your body when you grind your teeth and how to find relief.

What Is Bruxism?

Bruxism can occur while you're awake or asleep, with many people clenching during the day and grinding their teeth at night. According to the MSD Manual, nighttime grinders can apply up to 250 pounds of force, which explains why the condition can cause so much damage.

1. Your Teeth and Fillings Wear Down Faster

"When you’re not chewing food, your teeth shouldn’t be touching," says Dr. Silva, a dentist specializing in dental health. Continuous grinding or clenching can wear down the edges of your teeth, flatten cusp tips, and even break fillings and crowns, she explains.

Over time, bruxism can lead to enamel erosion, making your teeth more prone to cavities and cracks. The damage can become so severe that dental work like crowns, veneers, or even extractions may be needed.

2. You Could Develop Tooth Sensitivity

When enamel wears away, it exposes the dentine, which is more sensitive to temperature and certain foods. According to Dr. Barnett, chairman of the Maxwell S. Fogel Department of Dentistry, bruxism can make eating hot, cold, or sweet foods uncomfortable.

In severe cases, even cold air can trigger sharp pains. "I have patients who can’t take the wind blowing against their face because their teeth are so sensitive," Dr. Silva says.

3. You Might Experience Headaches and Facial Pain

The pressure from bruxism affects not only your teeth but also your temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects your jaw to your skull. Overworking this joint can lead to TMJ disorders, causing:

• Jaw pain

• Earaches

• Headaches

• Clicking or popping sounds when opening the mouth

According to the Cleveland Clinic, persistent bruxism can make it difficult to open your mouth fully and contribute to chronic tension headaches.

4. Your Sleep Could Be Disrupted

"Bruxism may be a red flag for sleep apnea," says Dr. Jeffrey S. Haddad, a neuromuscular dentist. Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing stops and starts repeatedly during sleep, often leading to poor sleep quality and daytime fatigue.

A 2019 study published in the Journal of Oral & Facial Pain and Headache found that about one-third of patients with obstructive sleep apnea also experience sleep bruxism.

And it’s not just your sleep that might be affected partners of people with sleep bruxism often report being woken up by the grinding sounds, according to the Sleep Foundation.

How to Stop Grinding Your Teeth

While there's no cure for bruxism, several treatment strategies can help manage symptoms and reduce damage:

1. Wear a Mouth Guard

A mouth guard or bite splint is often the first line of defense against bruxism. These devices cushion your teeth, preventing wear and alleviating related symptoms like muscle soreness and TMJ pain, says Dr. Barnett.

You can choose from over-the-counter mouth guards, which are boil-and-bite, or get a custom-fitted guard from your dentist. While OTC options are budget-friendly, custom guards typically offer a better fit and more durable protection.

2. Change How You Hold Your Jaw

If you clench your jaw during the day, becoming aware of this habit can help. Practice keeping your lips closed, teeth apart, and tongue resting on the roof of your mouth, suggests the Cleveland Clinic.

This relaxed position reduces muscle tension and makes it harder to clench your teeth.

3. Manage Your Stress Levels

Stress is a significant contributor to bruxism. Techniques such as mindful meditation, deep breathing, and therapy can help manage stress and reduce grinding, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

4. Try Medications

For pain relief, over-the-counter anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen can help. In some cases, dentists might recommend muscle relaxants or Botox injections, which can ease muscle tension and reduce grinding, per the Mayo Clinic.

If bruxism is a side effect of a medication you’re taking, consult your doctor to explore alternatives.

5. Make Dietary Changes

Certain lifestyle habits can exacerbate bruxism, including:

• Caffeine: Especially before bed, as it can disrupt sleep.

• Alcohol: Which increases the likelihood of grinding.

• Smoking: Another risk factor for bruxism.

A 2016 review in the Journal of the American Dental Association found a strong link between teeth grinding and these substances.

Additionally, avoid chewing gum and opt for soft foods if you’re experiencing jaw pain. This gives your jaw muscles a chance to rest and recover.

Grinding your teeth may seem harmless, but it can lead to significant oral health issues, pain, and sleep disturbances. If you suspect you have bruxism, talk to your dentist to explore treatment options that can protect your teeth and overall well-being.

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