How to grind teeth less and restore smiles damaged by bruxism
Teeth grinding, or bruxism, happens when you tightly clench or grind your teeth together. It’s usually done unawares, and this widespread issue affects both adults and children.
Sleep-related bruxism: Grinding teeth during sleep is the most common type of bruxism. Often, people have no clue they are doing it until a partner mentions it or they experience symptoms like jaw pain or headaches upon waking up.
Daytime bruxism: While less common, some people grind their teeth during the day. It can be a response to stress, anxiety or tension, and might occur while concentrating on a task or during periods of heightened emotion.
What teeth grinding does to your smile
Evidence of wear and tear that may indicate teeth grinding (bruxism) can show up in your teeth, jaw, facial muscles and other areas. Here’s the impact teeth grinding can have your oral health:
Flattened or shortened teeth: The constant friction from grinding can wear down your teeth, especially the enamel. Such flattening and shortening causes problems for the look, feel and health of your smile, affecting its symmetry and making it appear uneven or prematurely aged.
Increased tooth sensitivity: As the enamel wears down, it exposes the underlying dentin layer, which is more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. This heightened sensitivity can lead to discomfort or pain when consuming hot or cold foods and beverages.
Chipped or cracked teeth: In severe cases of bruxism, excessive pressure and grinding can cause chips or cracks to develop in the teeth. This compromises the integrity of your smile and can lead to further dental complications if left untreated.
Jaw pain and TMJ problems: The repetitive motion of grinding can strain the muscles and joints of the jaw, leading to discomfort, pain and stiffness. Over time, this can contribute to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, which may cause difficulty with jaw movement, chewing and even speaking.
How to address the causes of teeth grinding
To prevent future damage, your dentist will likely prioritise identifying and treating the underlying cause of teeth grinding. Some common causes include:
Stress and anxiety: Emotional factors like stress, anxiety, anger, or frustration can trigger teeth grinding by increasing muscle tension, including in the jaw. Implementing therapeutic relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga can help alleviate stress and reduce grinding episodes.
Sleep disorders: Bruxism often coexists with sleep disorders like sleep apnea, where breathing pauses during sleep. The body’s attempt to reopen the airway can manifest as teeth grinding. Treating the underlying sleep disorder can effectively alleviate grinding.
Certain medications: Some medications, especially those affecting the central nervous system, can inadvertently trigger teeth grinding as a side effect. Discussing alternative medications with your healthcare provider may help mitigate this issue.
Malocclusion: Misalignment of the teeth, known as malocclusion, can lead to discomfort and prompt bruxism as the body seeks a more comfortable position for the teeth. Addressing malocclusion through orthodontic treatment like clear aligners can help alleviate grinding.
Lifestyle factors: Habits such as excessive caffeine consumption, smoking, or alcohol intake can exacerbate bruxism. Reducing or eliminating these factors can help alleviate the frequency and severity of teeth grinding episodes, promoting better oral and overall health.
Personality traits: Individuals with certain personality types, such as those who are highly competitive, aggressive or hyperactive, may be more prone to bruxism. Identifying and managing these personality traits through counselling or behavioural therapy can help address the underlying causes of grinding.
How to protect your teeth with night guards
Seeking professional help is crucial when dealing with teeth grinding. Your dentist can accurately diagnose the condition and recommend the most effective treatment to restore your smile and prevent further damage. One commonly prescribed preventive solution is a custom-made night guard tailored to fit teeth perfectly.
Night guards are worn during sleep to protect your teeth from the harmful effects of grinding, helping to preserve your oral health in the long term. They are typically made of durable plastic and are moulded to fit snugly over your upper or lower teeth. Night guards are like a protective shield that keeps your upper and lower teeth from rubbing against each other while you sleep.
Ways to restore your damaged smile
The effects of teeth grinding on your smile can be effectively addressed with modern cosmetic dentistry treatments. Your dentist will recommend the best option based on the extent of the damage and your individual needs:
Dental bonding: This cost-effective procedure offers a minimally invasive solution for minor tooth damage. Your dentist applies a tooth-coloured resin to chipped, cracked or worn-down teeth. The resin is meticulously sculpted and polished to seamlessly match the shade and texture of your natural teeth, creating a durable and aesthetically pleasing restoration. Bonding is ideal for small imperfections or gaps between teeth.
Porcelain veneers: These thin porcelain shells are custom-made to complement your smile perfectly. Your dentist bonds them to the front surface of your teeth, effectively concealing chips, cracks, discolouration and minor wear caused by bruxism. Veneers are particularly suited for restoring the aesthetics of your front teeth. Additionally, they lengthen teeth shortened by grinding, creating a more balanced and youthful appearance.
Onlays: In some cases, a less invasive approach than a full crown might be possible. Onlays are ideal for restoring moderate damage affecting the chewing surface (cusps) and a significant portion of the tooth structure. Your dentist will use durable porcelain or composite resin to create and bond the onlay to the remaining healthy tooth structure. Onlays offer a good balance between preserving natural tooth structure and restoring strength and function.
Dental crowns: When teeth are severely damaged by grinding, dental crowns become the most suitable option. Your dentist will customise these caps to cover the entire tooth, restoring its strength, size and original shape. Crowns are an excellent solution for teeth that are significantly decayed, worn down, fractured or weakened due to bruxism. They provide exceptional durability and can withstand the strong biting forces exerted by back teeth.
How to keep your restored smile healthy
Following treatment, it’s crucial to maintain good oral hygiene practices to prevent further damage and protect your restored smile. This includes:
- Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily to remove plaque and bacteria.
- Using a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid damaging your teeth or gums.
- Consistently wearing a nightguard, especially at night, if recommended by your dentist to protect your teeth and dental work.
- Scheduling regular dental visits to monitor your teeth for signs of wear and address any problems early on.
Your next step to reclaim your smile
Teeth grinding doesn’t have to grind away your quality of life and, ultimately, steal your smile. With proper treatment and preventive measures, you can restore your smile’s health, full functionality, and compelling beauty. Not only will you regain confidence in your appearance, but you’ll also experience much improved oral health and potentially reduced jaw pain.
Treat yourself with care and respect by scheduling an appointment with your dentist. It’s time to save your oral health to become your brightest, healthiest self!
