5813 Centre Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Bruxism Causes Symptoms and Treatment
Teeth clenching and grinding, known as bruxism, is a common condition that often occurs during sleep. Many people are unaware they grind their teeth, while others may delay treatment because symptoms appear mild or intermittent. Despite being difficult to detect, untreated bruxism can lead to lasting damage to the teeth, jaw, and facial structure. With proper dental evaluation, bruxism can be diagnosed early, managed effectively, and existing damage repaired.
Although tooth-to-tooth contact may seem harmless, healthy teeth rarely touch throughout the day. When the jaw is at rest, the upper and lower teeth typically remain separated by a small space and come into contact only briefly during activities such as swallowing. During normal chewing, food acts as a cushion between the teeth. Bruxism disrupts this natural balance, forcing prolonged and excessive contact that places significant strain on the teeth and jaw.
Even a single night of severe grinding can equal years of normal tooth wear. Over time, this excessive pressure may cause symptoms such as jaw pain near the ears, headaches, muscle tightness, and tooth sensitivity. Other effects develop gradually and may go unnoticed, including worn or flattened teeth, cracked enamel, gum recession, and structural damage to the teeth.
Jaw discomfort is often one of the earliest signs of bruxism. Continuous clenching overworks the jaw muscles, leading to fatigue, spasms, and tension headaches. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects the jaw to the skull, can also become strained. This may result in clicking or popping sounds, pain while chewing, and in some cases long-term TMJ disorders.
As enamel wears away, teeth may become increasingly sensitive to pressure, heat, and cold. Bruxism can also cause a condition called abfraction, where enamel cracks near the gum line due to repeated stress and tooth flexing. This exposes the softer dentin beneath, increasing the risk of decay and negatively affecting appearance.
Over time, significant grinding can reduce the height of the teeth, a condition known as attrition. This loss of vertical dimension can make teeth appear shorter or squared and may cause the lower jaw to sit closer to the upper jaw. The result can be a prematurely aged appearance, including a collapsed bite, sunken jaw, and deeper facial wrinkles.
Treatment for bruxism depends on its cause and severity. For some individuals, grinding is closely linked to stress, and managing stress levels may significantly reduce symptoms. In many cases, however, a custom-made night guard is recommended. These appliances create a protective barrier between the teeth, help relax the jaw muscles, and prevent further wear. More advanced designs can limit contact to specific teeth, reducing the ability to clench altogether.
When bruxism has already caused damage, restorative treatments may be necessary. Worn or weakened teeth may require crowns to restore strength and function, and significant bite collapse often needs comprehensive treatment to rebuild the vertical dimension. Because these procedures can be complex and costly, early detection is key.
If you experience jaw pain, tooth sensitivity, headaches, or if a partner has noticed grinding sounds during sleep, a dental evaluation is strongly recommended. Dentists are trained to identify the early signs of bruxism, including enamel wear, abfraction, and joint strain. Prompt treatment can prevent discomfort, protect your teeth, and reduce the need for extensive dental work in the future.