The Long-Term Effects of Untreated Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is more than just an annoying habit — it’s a serious dental issue that can cause a host of problems.

At Smile by Design Dental Group, Dr. Michael Choi, DMD, brings years of expertise in addressing complex dental conditions. Dr. Choi helps patients near Irvine, California, prevent the damaging effects of teeth grinding with solutions like custom night guards. Without proper treatment, however, the consequences of bruxism can escalate and impact your dental health and overall well-being.

How Untreated Teeth Grinding Affects Your Health

Teeth grinding can cause a variety of health issues that people aren’t always aware of. Below are some of the most concerning long-term effects that can develop.

Enamel Wear and Tooth Damage

Teeth grinding gradually wears down your tooth enamel, leading to sensitivity and making your teeth more vulnerable to chips, cracks, and fractures. Without treatment, these issues can get worse and require more complex and costly dental procedures later on.

TMJ Disorders

Bruxism puts significant strain on your jaw muscles and joints. It can contribute to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, which results in chronic jaw pain, stiffness, and difficulty chewing.

Sleep Disruptions

It may not be surprising that teeth grinding can cause fragmented sleep, daytime fatigue, and potentially worsen conditions like sleep apnea. Poor sleep quality can have a lasting impact on your overall health and well-being.

Chronic Headaches

The strain from bruxism often causes morning headaches that can persist throughout the day, affecting your productivity and quality of life.

Tooth Loss and Gum Recession

In severe cases, untreated bruxism can lead to tooth loss and gum recession. Continuous grinding weakens the teeth, which is what causes the gums to recede and increases your risk of tooth loss.

How Do You Treat Bruxism? 

Treating bruxism usually requires a well-rounded approach to protect your teeth and ease your symptoms. A custom night guard is one of the most common solutions, as it cushions your teeth while you sleep and helps to prevent further damage. Alongside this, you’ll need to manage stress, incorporate physical therapy, and make some lifestyle changes to reduce how often and how intensely you grind your teeth. In some cases, it may be necessary to address underlying issues like sleep apnea or misaligned teeth to fully resolve the problem.

Safeguard Your Smile 

Protect your smile and health by treating your teeth grinding habits early on. Call Smile by Design Dental Group at 949-786-2820 today to schedule your consultation in Irvine. Dr. Michael Choi and his team can help you find relief from bruxism and prevent long-term damage.