Teeth grinding (Bruxism) is the clenching of teeth, done either when the person is awake or asleep, and this is often related to stress or anxiety. Most people who grind their teeth at night are unaware of their habit. Even though occasional teeth grinding doesn’t cause much damage, frequent or vigorous grinding can cause permanent damage to the mouth, jaw, and teeth.
Teeth grinding is also seen in children and teenagers, and the main signs of having bruxism include worn-down teeth, cracked or chipped teeth, and grinding sounds.
7 Serious side effects of teeth grinding (bruxism)
A person having bruxism is likely to experience the below side effects:
1. Headaches
Teeth grinding can result in painful migraines and headaches due to constant pressure generated on the face and jaw muscles.
2. Damaged Teeth
Teeth damage is one of the main side effects of clenching or teeth grinding. Extended periods of teeth grinding can wear down tooth surfaces and enamel, leading to tooth height loss, increased tooth sensitivity, and tooth decay. It can also cause cracks, chipping, or loosening of teeth and damage the existing fillings, crowns, or bridges.
3. Sleepless Nights
It is possible to get interrupted during sleep at night because of teeth grinding or clenching.
4. Earaches
Earaches can be a common side effect of bruxism, as the pain radiates through the joints to the ear canals.
5. Pain
Teeth grinding or clenching place constant stress and pressure on the jaw joints and the surrounding muscles. It might result in jaw pain, jaw stiffness, and facial pain.
6. Receding Gums
Bruxism is a leading cause of gum recession, as it causes teeth to shift and loosen, creating space for bacteria, and resulting in the pulling away of gums from the teeth.
7. Jaw disorders
Continuous teeth grinding affects the structure of the joints and muscles that make up the jaw and cause temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Hence the person is likely to experience severe facial, neck, and shoulder pain, which leads to difficulty chewing, talking, and swallowing.
8. Teeth Loss
As a result of the above-mentioned oral health problems, a person might experience teeth loss. Hence it is always better to keep an eye on your oral habits like bruxism, which might result in tooth loss.
At Go Dental Clinic, we have expert dentists who can provide customized treatment for your teeth grinding(bruxism) habit. In case you have the habit of teeth grinding, contact us at +971 4 397 9522 or book a consultation with our expert dentists at Go Dental Clinic.
