10/04/2026
Bruxism, the medical term for teeth grinding or clenching, can cause significant damage to your teeth and overall oral health if left untreated. It exerts force up to 250 pounds per square inch, which is far more than the pressure used for normal chewing.
How Bruxism Damages Your Teeth
Enamel Wear: Chronic grinding wears away the protective enamel layer, making teeth appear flat, short, or yellowish as the underlying dentin is exposed.
Fractures and Chips: The intense pressure can cause teeth to crack, chip, or develop "craze lines" (tiny vertical cracks in the enamel).
Increased Sensitivity: As enamel thins, teeth become hypersensitive to hot, cold, and sweet foods or drinks.
Tooth Mobility: Constant rocking back and forth can damage the ligaments holding teeth in place, leading to loose teeth or even tooth loss in severe cases.
Gum Recession: Excessive pressure on the teeth also stresses the surrounding gum tissue, potentially causing it to recede and exposing the tooth roots.
Beyond the Teeth
Bruxism often affects the entire jaw system, leading to:
TMJ Disorders: Pain, clicking, or popping in the jaw joint (temporomandibular joint).
Muscle Hypertrophy: Overused jaw muscles can become enlarged, sometimes giving the lower face a more square appearance.
Facial and Head Pain: It is a common cause of morning headaches (often felt in the temples), earaches, and neck or shoulder pain.