How Teeth Grinding Slowly Damages Your Smile
You may not hear it. You may not feel it. But teeth grinding could be slowly damaging your smile every night.
Teeth grinding — also known as bruxism — is more common than most people realize. At Centreville Family Dentistry and Implant Center, we frequently diagnose grinding during routine exams, often before patients even know it’s happening.
Left untreated, bruxism can cause long-term damage that affects both your teeth and your jaw.
What Causes Teeth Grinding?
Teeth grinding can be triggered by:
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Stress or anxiety
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Bite misalignment
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Sleep disorders
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Jaw muscle tension
Many people grind unconsciously during sleep, making it difficult to detect without professional evaluation.
The Hidden Damage of Bruxism
Grinding doesn’t cause immediate pain for most people. Instead, it slowly wears teeth down over time.
1. Enamel Erosion
Grinding flattens and thins enamel — the protective outer layer of your teeth. Once enamel is gone, it doesn’t grow back.
This can lead to:
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Tooth sensitivity
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Increased cavity risk
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Dull or shortened teeth
2. Cracks and Fractures
Constant pressure from grinding weakens teeth, making them more prone to cracks.
Small fractures may go unnoticed at first but can eventually require:
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Crowns
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Root canal therapy
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Even tooth extraction
3. Jaw Pain and TMD
The jaw muscles work overtime during grinding. Over time, this can lead to:
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Jaw soreness
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Clicking or popping sounds
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Headaches
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Neck and shoulder tension
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TMD (temporomandibular disorder)
4. Changes in Facial Appearance
Severe grinding can shorten teeth and collapse the bite, which may cause:
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A “sunken” appearance
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Reduced lower facial height
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Premature aging around the mouth
Signs You Might Be Grinding
You may be grinding if you experience:
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Morning headaches
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Jaw tightness when waking
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Worn or flattened teeth
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Increased tooth sensitivity
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Partner reports hearing grinding sounds
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Chips without obvious trauma
How We Protect Your Smile
At Centreville Family Dentistry and Implant Center, treatment depends on severity.
Custom Night Guards
A professionally made night guard:
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Cushions teeth
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Reduces pressure on the jaw
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Prevents further enamel wear
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Fits comfortably and securely
Unlike over-the-counter guards, custom appliances are tailored precisely to your bite.
Bite Evaluation
If misalignment is contributing to grinding, correcting the bite may reduce stress on the jaw.
Early Intervention Makes a Difference
The longer grinding continues, the more extensive treatment may become. Addressing bruxism early can prevent major restorative work later.
If you suspect grinding — or if we’ve noticed signs during your exam — it’s worth addressing now rather than waiting for visible damage.
Protect Your Smile While You Sleep
Teeth grinding doesn’t fix itself. But with proper diagnosis and protection, we can prevent long-term damage and keep your smile strong for years to come.
