Did you know that tooth grinding (bruxism) can sometimes occur without the person even knowing? This is a common occurrence, and it usually isn't serious. But if left untreated, it can lead to problems with your teeth and jaw alignment, which in turn leads to issues like headaches. Many people grind their teeth at night while sleeping because they clench their jaws excessively. The result is constant wear and destruction of the tooth enamel.
The problem can be so severe that it's referred to as "Nite-Grind." This also happens when the person wakes up in the morning, their jaw is stiff, and they experience pain or soreness. The bare nerves exposed in your teeth from grinding can cause intense feelings of stabbing headaches. To help detect if you're a tooth grinder, try using a mercury-free digital electric toothbrush at bedtime and during the day. Here are the signs, causes, and potential issues if bruxism is left untreated.
Signs of Tooth Grinding
Signs you're a tooth grinder:
- You wake up with jaw pain, stiffness, or soreness in the morning.
- You clench your jaw excessively at night while sleeping or grinding your teeth together.
- You have persistent headaches brought on by pressure on the jaw.
- Your teeth are worn down, and your dentin is exposed.
- You hear a clicking sound when you move your jaw or open your mouth.
- Your teeth appear longer than usual because the roots have been ground away from tooth grinding.
You may notice some wear on the biting surfaces of your teeth from constant pressure from clenched teeth.
Causes of Tooth Grinding
There are many reasons why someone might be a tooth grinder. Let's take a look at some of the possible reasons for this condition:
- Stress and anxiety – Anxiety is considered the most common reason behind bruxism. When you're stressed, your jaw muscles tend to clench, which often results in grinding teeth. Your teeth have minuscule, "tooth-shaped" muscles attached at the roots. When these muscles are contracted, it appears as if you are clenching or grinding your teeth together.
- Your sleeping position – Biting down on your pillow unintentionally during the night is a common indicator that you're a tooth grinder. Over time, this constant grinding can wear down the enamel on your teeth.
- Poor posture – If you have poor posture while sitting or standing, it often results in a forward thrust of your jaw. This inevitably results in tooth clenching and tooth grinding because your muscles compensate for the change in position. A misaligned bite (malocclusion) can lead to muscle tension, which may make you grind your teeth at night, too.
Potential Issues If Left Untreated
Regular tooth grinding can result in serious problems like:
- Excessive wear of the tooth enamel. This is because saliva and its calcium content can no longer help protect teeth from constant contact with your upper and lower molars. The constant pressure slowly grinds away at your enamel, which is made of a very hard substance called hydroxyapatite.
- Sensitivity to hot or cold food and drinks. Teeth worn down due to tooth grinding are more sensitive when they come in contact with extreme temperatures of hot or cold foods and drinks. The textures feel different when your teeth are exposed because it's easier for them to detect temperature differences.
- Tooth decay and gum disease. If tooth grinding is left untreated, you're likely to develop a yeast infection in your mouth, which can lead to cavities or dental damage from the acid produced by this form of fungus. The constant exposure of the roots of teeth causes plaque buildup and tartar buildup and damages gums.
- Chronic jaw pain and headaches. If you're a tooth grinder, you can experience chronic jaw pain or headaches on the side of your face where teeth are clenched more often. The constant tension on your jaw can cause headaches that will wake you up throughout the night if not treated.