You might not think twice about clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth at night. It’s a habit that often flies under the radar until the damage is already done. If you’re waking up with a sore jaw, dealing with unexplained headaches, or noticing worn-down teeth, bruxism could be the cause.
We see it all the time at Casa Dental: patients who didn’t realize how much stress and pressure their teeth were under until real symptoms showed up. In this blog, we’ll explain what teeth grinding is, how it impacts your health, and how we can help you protect your smile before things get worse.
What Is Bruxism and Why Does It Happen?
Bruxism is the term for teeth grinding or jaw clenching, and it usually happens without you noticing. Some people grind during the day, often triggered by stress or concentration. Others experience sleep bruxism, which occurs during the night and is often linked to disrupted sleep patterns.
There’s no single cause. Stress and anxiety are common triggers. Misaligned teeth, sleep disorders, or even side effects from certain medications can also play a role. Bruxism can affect adults and children alike. Since it often develops slowly, many people don’t realize there’s a problem until symptoms like jaw pain or tooth wear become noticeable.
How Teeth Grinding Damages Teeth, Jaws, and Overall Health
Enamel Wear
The outer surface of your teeth (the enamel) is tough, but it’s not invincible. Chronic grinding gradually scrapes away that protective layer, increasing sensitivity and making your teeth more vulnerable to decay. Once enamel is gone, it doesn’t grow back, so the damage is permanent without dental restoration.
Tooth Fractures
When the enamel layer wears down, teeth lose their ability to absorb pressure effectively. This makes them more likely to crack, chip, or break during regular use. Grinding creates small fractures that, if left untreated, can expose the inner layers of the tooth. Once that happens, bacteria can enter and cause infection, sometimes requiring root canal treatment to repair the damage.
Jaw Pain and TMJ Disorders
When you grind your teeth, your jaw muscles and the joints that control jaw movement are under constant pressure. This repeated strain can cause inflammation in the temporomandibular joints (TMJs), which are located on each side of your head where the jawbone meets the skull.
As the joints become irritated, you may notice pain in the jaw, difficulty opening your mouth fully, stiffness, or clicking sounds when chewing or speaking. These are common signs of TMJ disorders, which often develop after prolonged grinding.
Gum Recession and Tooth Mobility
When you grind your teeth, the pressure doesn’t just affect the enamel. It also puts stress on the surrounding gums and bone. This can contribute to gum recession, making your teeth look longer and exposing sensitive areas. Excessive force can also cause teeth to loosen slightly or shift out of position, altering your bite.
Headaches, Earaches, and Sleep Disruption
Teeth grinding can trigger recurring headaches, especially in the temples. Some people also experience ear pain due to shared nerve pathways. And since grinding often happens at night, it can interfere with restful sleep (even if you don’t fully wake up). Poor sleep adds another layer of stress to your body and may worsen existing health issues.
When to See a Dentist About Teeth Grinding
If you wake up with jaw pain or headaches, or if your teeth feel worn or sensitive, don’t ignore the signs. Bruxism rarely improves on its own. A dental exam can reveal whether grinding is damaging your teeth or stressing your jaw.
Casa Dental offers comprehensive assessments and custom treatment plans for bruxism. We may recommend a night guard: a custom-fitted appliance worn while you sleep that acts as a barrier between your teeth. In more advanced cases, we might suggest dental restorations like crowns, bonding, or veneers to repair worn or broken teeth. We also evaluate bite alignment, which may be a factor.
Addressing the issue early on can prevent more invasive and costly treatment later.
Protect Your Smile from Teeth Grinding Damage
Bruxism might not always be easy to spot, but the long-term effects on your oral health are hard to ignore. If you’re noticing symptoms like jaw pain or worn teeth, getting a professional opinion can help you avoid more serious issues down the line. Our team at Casa Dental offers practical, patient-focused solutions to prevent and repair the damage caused by teeth grinding.
We provide full-service general and cosmetic dentistry in Toronto, combining preventive care with advanced treatment options. From digital diagnostics to custom night guards and restorative procedures, we focus on comfort, clarity, and long-term results.
If you think grinding might be affecting your teeth or sleep, we’re here to help. Let’s figure out the next step together. Call us at 888-920-5324 (Toronto clinic) or 888-270-8793 (Mississauga clinic), or click here to book your appointment online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes teeth grinding?
Stress, anxiety, poor sleep, misaligned teeth, and certain medications can all contribute to bruxism.
Can children grind their teeth too?
Yes. It often happens during growth or as a response to stress. Many children outgrow it, but it should still be monitored.
Is it possible to stop grinding teeth without a night guard?
Managing stress, adjusting your sleep routine, and addressing dental alignment can help. But a night guard is usually the most effective solution.
Does insurance cover treatment for teeth grinding?
Some insurance plans cover night guards and dental restorations. Coverage varies, so it’s best to check with your provider.
Can a dentist tell if I grind my teeth?
Yes. Dentists can spot signs like worn enamel, stress fractures, or jaw tenderness during a routine exam.
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