People who have a habit of grinding their teeth may develop tooth sensitivity issues. This is because teeth grinding (bruxism) and teeth sensitivity are two conditions that are interlinked.
Let’s first look at these two conditions individually and then discover how they are related to each other.
Table of Contents
Teeth grinding
Some people have a habit of grinding their teeth, sometimes in their sleep. Teeth grinding or bruxism can sometimes be the body’s reaction to stress, anxiety, or tension.
Do you also find yourself sometimes unintentionally grinding or clenching your teeth for no apparent reason? Beware. Teeth grinding can lead to numerous adverse effects like:
- Jaw pain
- Headaches
- Tooth sensitivity
- TMJ dysfunction
- Difficulty opening or closing your mouth
- Tinnitus
Bruxism is a common behavior reported in people of various ages, however the phenomenon is more common during childhood. For some, it happens during sleep so you may not even be aware that it is an issue.
According to a study the global prevalence of bruxism in both sleep and awake states is 22.22%. Reducing stress, wearing mouth guards, getting adequate sleep, and regularly visiting a dentist near you can help reduce problems related to bruxism.
Teeth sensitivity
When the dentin, the part of your tooth below the enamel is exposed, the consumption of hot, cold, or acidic foods and beverages can bring about a feeling of discomfort. Cracked or chipped teeth, brushing too vigorously, gum diseases, and teeth grinding (bruxism) are common causes of sensitive teeth.
To treat sensitive teeth, it is recommended to visit a dentist for an assessment and get the appropriate treatment as necessary. Teeth sensitivity treatments include desensitizing toothpaste, dental bonding, and root canal. If you have sensitive teeth, using dentist-recommended toothpaste such as Sensodyne can also be beneficial.
The link between teeth grinding and teeth sensitivity
When you have a habit of grinding your teeth, it can exert extra pressure on the enamel, i.e. the outer layer of the tooth. Your teeth may begin to slowly and gradually chip away. This damage can wear out the enamel exposing the dentin, the sensitive layer of your tooth.
Once exposed, you may feel pain or discomfort when your dentin comes into contact with hot or cold stimuli causing you to experience a feeling of sensitivity. In addition to causing tooth sensitivity, bruxism can also worsen the symptoms of periodontal disease and cause gum recession.
Treatments for teeth grinding
Teeth grinding is a behavior that is detrimental to your dental health and hence should be addressed promptly. Here are some treatments to help reduce teeth grinding:
- Wear a mouth guard: Mouth guards are devices you can wear over your teeth and they can help prevent bruxism. Night guards are also available for people who grind or clench their teeth during sleep. These devices can protect your teeth from damage caused by tooth grinding ensuring your teeth stay intact.
- De-stress yourself: Bruxism can also be triggered by stress. Therefore, trying stress relief techniques and deep breathing exercises can help you relax and overcome the urge to grind your teeth.
- Muscle relaxants: Using muscle relaxants can help temporarily treat bruxism by relaxing the masseter muscle, as well as your facial and jaw muscles.
- Regular dental checkups: Visiting your dentist regularly can help identify issues caused due to teeth grinding such as broken or chipped teeth. If you grind your teeth during sleep, you might not be aware of this habit at all. A dentist can help diagnose the issue and treat it before it worsens.
Conclusion
Teeth grinding is a common behavior that can negatively affect your oral health by causing sensitivity, broken or chipped teeth, and worsening the symptoms of gum disease. If you frequently grind, clench, or gnash your teeth, it is imperative to deal with the problem by consulting a qualified dentist.
Letting go of the habit of grinding your teeth can improve your dental health while saving you the time and expense of getting treatments such as fillings, root canals, and dental implants.
