WatchTeeth Grinding (Bruxism)
The hidden toll of teeth grinding: why bruxism deserves attention
Many patients only learn they grind their teeth when a dentist points out the telltale wear patterns. That's because bruxism, chronic clenching or grinding of the teeth, often happens while you sleep and have no idea it's happening, generating up to 150 pounds of pressure between your jaws. Over time, that pressure flattens front teeth, chips edges, fractures back teeth, and wears the enamel down to the softer dentin beneath.
This video explains what's happening inside your mouth when you grind and why the damage compounds quietly over years. It also covers how the symptoms can show up far from the teeth, such as jaw pain, morning headaches, facial soreness, or unexplained tooth sensitivity. In kids, mild grinding is common and usually outgrown, but persistent grinding in adults rarely resolves on its own.
The good news is that bruxism is highly manageable when caught early. Treatment most often starts with a custom-fitted night guard that absorbs the force and protects the enamel, frequently paired with stress management, bite adjustment, or care for an underlying TMJ disorder.
Teeth that look shorter than they used to, chips at the gumline, or waking with a sore jaw are all reasons not to wait. At Way Dental we evaluate the wear patterns, identify the root cause, and tailor treatment to prevent further damage.
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