Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is extremely common, but many people are unaware that they do it. This is because it usually happens during sleep when there is no conscious control over it. The first sign may be a comment from a partner about noise during the night, or a dentist pointing out wear during a check-up. Sometimes the first warning is damage that suddenly seems to appear out of nowhere.
The aim of this article is not to alarm patients of our Bromley dental clinic, but to explain what grinding really is, why it happens, and why early intervention can save a great deal of trouble later on.
Normal chewing involves short, controlled contact between the teeth but grinding is different. The jaw moves side to side or clamps tightly, often repeatedly, and the teeth rub against each other under force. The pressure created can be surprisingly high. In fact, people often apply more force when they grind during sleep than when they are consciously biting into food.
Some people clench rather than grind. In those cases the teeth are held tightly together without much movement. The effect on the muscles and joints can still be significant. Because this activity often happens at night, patients of the Smile Dental Practice Bromley might simply assume they would notice if it were severe. That is not always true. The body adapts gradually, and signs can build slowly over time.
There can be a number of reasons for bruxism. Stress plays a role for many people. Busy lives, work pressure, and general tension can all show up physically in the jaw muscles. However, stress alone does not explain everything.
Sleep quality appears to have an influence as well. People who experience disturbed sleep or snoring sometimes grind more frequently. Caffeine late in the evening and alcohol can make episodes more likely in certain individuals.
There can be a dental element too. If teeth meet unevenly, the jaw may try to find a more comfortable position during sleep. That said, many people with perfectly aligned teeth still grind, so it is not simply a matter of the bite.
Most grinding patients do not come in saying, “I grind my teeth.” They usually mention something else. Some describe waking with tight jaw muscles or dull headaches around the temples. Others notice their teeth becoming sensitive to cold drinks. Occasionally a partner reports hearing a scraping sound at night.
From a dental perspective, the signs can be quite subtle at first. The biting edges of teeth start to look flatter and tiny chips appear. The enamel surface becomes shiny and smooth where it has been worn away. Over time the teeth may even appear shorter. This type of wear can happen slowly and go unnoticed by the patient.
Although human teeth are strong, they are not designed to be ground together in this way. Once tooth enamel is worn away, it won’t reappear. This leaves the tooth less well protected and can result in sensitive teeth and even decay if bacteria enter via the weakened enamel.
Cracks can also occur, beginning as microscopic lines and developing over time. Sometimes a tooth survives for years before finally breaking, which can feel sudden even though the process has been gradual.
Grinding can also cause jaw problems and result in discomfort. Facial muscles may also feel tense or tired. In more advanced cases, the overall bite can change as teeth wear down. Restoring this later can involve more extensive treatment than our patients expect.
Catching grinding early is far easier than repairing the results later. A simple protective measure can prevent years of gradual damage. Regular dental examinations here in Bromley help because we often notice wear before it becomes a major problem. Even small changes over time can tell us what is happening. If there is evidence of grinding, the first goal is protection.
A custom-made night guard is one of the most effective tools available to prevent damage to the teeth for people with bruxism. It is a clear appliance that fits over the teeth while you sleep. It does not necessarily stop the grinding action, but it provides a protective layer so the teeth are not rubbing directly against each other.
Patients often report that once they start using a guard, morning jaw discomfort improves quite quickly.
Sometimes we meet patients after significant wear has already occurred. In those cases, restoration may be needed to rebuild strength and appearance.
Composite bonding can be a straightforward and effective way of repairing mild wearing of the enamel, but more significant damage may require more invasive intervention such as the addition of veneers or crowns. These not only improve the function of your teeth but protect them and restore their appearance too. We treat each case individually at our Bromley dental clinic and will discuss the recommended restoration with you before it is carried out.
Teeth grinding is common, and it is nothing to feel embarrassed about. Many people do it without realising. The important thing is recognising the signs early and taking sensible steps to protect your teeth.
If you wake with jaw tension, notice your teeth look flatter, or have been told you grind during sleep, mention it at your next appointment with us. Even a brief discussion can help identify whether protective treatment would be useful.
As dentists, we would always prefer to prevent damage rather than repair it. A simple night guard and regular monitoring can often avoid much more complex treatment later on.
If you suspect that this might be a problem for you or have noticed any unexplained damage to your teeth, why not ask us to check whether you grind your teeth and help preserve or restore your teeth. You can book an appointment for this by calling us on 020 8462 2473. Our friendly team will be pleased to help, so please give us a call today.
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