Most people don’t even realize they’re grinding their teeth—until the damage is done. Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, might seem like a minor habit or occasional stress response, but over time, it can lead to serious dental and health complications. And in Southern California, where stress levels can run high, more people are dealing with the consequences than they might think.
At California Dental Group, we’ve seen firsthand how untreated bruxism can wear down more than just your teeth. It can affect your jaw, your sleep, and even your long-term wellness. If you wake up with jaw pain, headaches, or notice changes in your bite or enamel, it’s time to take teeth grinding seriously.
What Causes Teeth Grinding?
Bruxism often happens unconsciously—either during the day (awake bruxism) or while you sleep (sleep bruxism). Some of the most common causes include:
- Stress and anxiety
- Sleep disorders, like sleep apnea
- Misaligned teeth or bite
- Caffeine, alcohol, or tobacco use
- Certain medications or neurological conditions
Because it frequently occurs at night, many patients don’t realize they’re grinding until a dentist points out the signs of wear or a partner mentions the sound.
Damage That Goes Beyond Your Smile
Teeth grinding doesn’t just affect your enamel—it can set off a domino effect of health problems that extend far beyond your mouth. Here’s how:
1. Tooth Damage
Chronic grinding wears down the protective outer layer of your teeth, making them more vulnerable to cavities, sensitivity, and cracks. Over time, it can flatten or fracture teeth and destroy expensive dental work like crowns or veneers.
2. Jaw and TMJ Pain
Grinding puts enormous pressure on your jaw muscles and temporomandibular joints (TMJ). This can lead to TMJ disorders, causing chronic jaw pain, clicking sounds, restricted movement, and even migraines.
3. Headaches and Facial Tension
People with bruxism often experience frequent headaches, especially in the morning. The constant muscle tension can also cause neck and shoulder pain, making it harder to concentrate or relax.
4. Sleep Disruption
Sleep bruxism can reduce the quality of your sleep and your partner’s. It often coexists with other sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea, amplifying the effects of both conditions and leaving you fatigued and irritable.
5. Gum Recession and Tooth Mobility
The excess force from grinding can irritate the gums and contribute to recession, exposing tooth roots and increasing the risk of gum disease. In severe cases, it may even cause teeth to become loose.
What You Can Do About It
The good news is that bruxism is treatable—especially when caught early. At California Dental Group, we offer a range of options tailored to your needs:
- Custom night guards to protect your teeth while you sleep
- Stress management recommendations or referrals if anxiety is a contributing factor
- Dental corrections to fix bite alignment issues
- Monitoring and maintenance to prevent long-term damage
In some cases, treating bruxism also involves working with a sleep specialist or addressing underlying conditions like sleep apnea.
Don’t Wait Until It Hurts
Ignoring teeth grinding is never a good idea. What starts as a silent habit can turn into chronic discomfort and costly dental repairs. If you’ve noticed signs like chipped teeth, headaches, jaw soreness, or unexplained facial pain, it’s time to get evaluated by a dental professional.
At California Dental Group, we take a comprehensive approach to treating bruxism—protecting your smile, your comfort, and your health. Call us at 800-407-0161 to schedule an appointment today and take the first step toward long-term relief.
