Grinding the teeth (medically known as bruxism) is a relatively common habit. If it only happens occasionally, then it’s really nothing to worry about. However, if bruxism occurs consistently, then it can start to cause a variety of problems. Here are a few ways that grinding your teeth may cause damage to your body.

Tooth sensitivity

Grinding the teeth wears down the enamel on the surfaces of the teeth that touch each other. The layer below the enamel contains nerve endings in small tubes within the tooth structure. When the enamel is thinner, these nerve endings are more exposed. This leads to sensitivity, because these nerve endings can be more easily stimulated. There may be discomfort or even pain when exposed to heat, cold, or pressure.

Cracked teeth

If the force of grinding is high enough, then it may cause the teeth to crack. Some cracks are too small to be easily seen. These can still lead to problems such as increased tooth sensitivity. A larger crack is a very serious situation that can even lead to the loss of the tooth. Cracked teeth can lead to the need for extensive dental treatment, such as a crown or a root canal, or can even cause the loss of the tooth if not addressed promptly.

TMJ disorder (jaw joint pain and dysfunction)

The temporomandibular joint (or TMJ) is the joint where the lower jaw meets the skull. It’s located in front of the ear. When this joint is damaged, this is known as TMJ disorder. Symptoms may include pain or soreness of the joint, popping or clicking, stiffness, and the joint “locking up” or getting stuck. Bruxism increases the likelihood of TMJ disorder, because the force of the grinding causes damage to this joint.

Headaches

Some people with bruxism experience headaches. This is believed to be related to the tension created in the facial muscles by the grinding, as well as the potential damage to the jaw joints and the teeth. People may have tension-type headaches or even migraines. If you experience such headaches and have not yet discovered your trigger, it may be worth considering the possibility that you have bruxism.

Earaches

Because the TMJ is so close to the ear, pain from the joint will sometimes be felt as ear pain. This is called “referred pain.” People with bruxism may believe that they have chronic ear problems, when the issue is actually not in the ear itself at all. Instead, problems with the TMJ caused by bruxism may be felt in the ear.

How can a night guard help?

Many people grind their teeth at night, when they don’t have control over the habit. In these cases, a night guard may be beneficial. This is a small custom-fitted device made of lightweight plastic, which fits between the teeth and is worn at night. It helps to protect the teeth from wear and tear caused by grinding, protecting them from problems like sensitivity and cracks. By keeping the upper and lower jaw slightly separated from each other, it also reduces the tension on the TMJ, helping to protect it from damage.

Night guard Shreveport

If you have possible symptoms of bruxism, and you would like to try using a night guard, the best place to go is to a dentist. You can buy cheap over-the-counter night guards from a drugstore, but these tend to be poorly fitting and uncomfortable. In some cases, the poor fit could even lead to damage to your teeth, such as damaging the alignment by putting pressure on some of the teeth.

A better choice is to visit a dentist, where you can get a custom-fitted night guard that protects your teeth, is light and comfortable to wear, and will last for many years. We offer custom-fitted night guards here at our office. If you’re in the Shreveport area, we invite you to visit us for a consultation to learn more. If you decide that you want a night guard, we can start the process that day by taking impressions. You’ll come back to receive your custom device, and we’ll perform any necessary small adjustments in order to make sure that the fit is just right for you. To schedule your consultation appointment, simply contact our front desk.