Teeth grinding, medically known as bruxism, is a common yet often overlooked condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While occasional grinding may seem harmless, chronic bruxism can lead to serious oral and overall health issues. Many individuals grind their teeth unconsciously during sleep or under stress, making it a "hidden" problem until symptoms become severe.
One of the primary dangers of bruxism is damage to the teeth themselves. The excessive force from grinding can wear down enamel, the protective outer layer of teeth, leading to increased sensitivity, cracks, chips, or even fractures. Over time, this erosion exposes the dentin underneath, causing pain when consuming hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods. In severe cases, teeth may become flattened or shortened, altering bite alignment and requiring costly restorative treatments like crowns or veneers.
Beyond dental damage, bruxism affects surrounding structures. It strains the jaw muscles and temporomandibular joint (TMJ), often resulting in temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD). Symptoms include jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds, difficulty opening the mouth, and chronic headaches or earaches. Many sufferers mistake these for migraines or tension headaches, delaying proper diagnosis.
One of the primary dangers of bruxism is damage to the teeth themselves. The excessive force from grinding can wear down enamel, the protective outer layer of teeth, leading to increased sensitivity, cracks, chips, or even fractures. Over time, this erosion exposes the dentin underneath, causing pain when consuming hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods. In severe cases, teeth may become flattened or shortened, altering bite alignment and requiring costly restorative treatments like crowns or veneers.
Beyond dental damage, bruxism affects surrounding structures. It strains the jaw muscles and temporomandibular joint (TMJ), often resulting in temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD). Symptoms include jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds, difficulty opening the mouth, and chronic headaches or earaches. Many sufferers mistake these for migraines or tension headaches, delaying proper diagnosis.