We often overlook the small things we do every day—biting our nails during a tense moment, chewing the inside of our cheek while we focus, slouching into our seat without thinking. These habits don’t seem serious. But repeated often enough, they start to reshape the way our bodies feel and function. What feels minor in the moment can lead to long-term effects. Nail biting wears down enamel and irritates the skin around the fingers. Cheek chewing can lead to chronic tissue damage. Poor posture strains the spine and alters muscle alignment. Our bodies adjust to these patterns—even when we’re not aware of them. One of the most overlooked habits is bruxism: persistent teeth grinding or jaw clenching, often while sleeping. It’s easy to miss—but its consequences build over time, affecting more than just your teeth.
At Queen City Family Dentistry, we’re trained to spot the signs of these habits—especially the ones you might not notice yourself. The sooner we catch it, the easier it is to protect your smile, reduce discomfort, and prevent long-term damage.
What Is Bruxism?
Bruxism is a condition where you grind or clench your teeth—often without realizing it. It can happen during the day when you are awake (awake bruxism) or at night while you sleep (sleep bruxism). Sleep bruxism is especially hard to notice because it happens unconsciously, and many people only recognize the problem after symptoms develop or a partner points out the noise of grinding.
Bruxism can cause a wide range of symptoms that affect your comfort and daily life. You might wake up with jaw pain, stiffness, or soreness. Some people notice it becomes harder to open or close their mouth fully. Pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)—the hinge connecting your jaw to your skull—can cause clicking, popping, or a feeling that the jaw is out of alignment.
Bruxism often leads to headaches, especially around the temples, and can create discomfort that spreads to the face, neck, or shoulders. Some individuals experience ear pain or a sensation of fullness in their ear, even though no infection is present. Over time, the muscles around the jaw can feel fatigued or tired, making it harder to chew or speak comfortably.
How Bruxism Harms Your Oral Health
Bruxism places constant pressure on the teeth and jaw, which can gradually lead to a range of dental problems—some of which can be difficult and costly to fix if left untreated.
Damage to Natural Teeth
Grinding and clenching forcefully press the upper and lower teeth together, wearing down the biting surfaces over time. This repeated motion can flatten the edges of the teeth and make them appear shorter. As the pressure builds, teeth may chip, crack, or loosen—especially if the enamel is already compromised.
Loss of Enamel Protection
Tooth enamel is the outer shield that protects against decay and sensitivity. With bruxism, constant friction wears away this protective layer. Once enamel thins or disappears, it can’t grow back. As a result, the inner layer of the tooth, called dentin, becomes exposed and more vulnerable to bacteria, cavities, and wear.
When dentin is exposed, hot, cold, or sweet foods can trigger sharp, uncomfortable sensations. In some cases, even breathing in cold air or brushing can cause pain. This sensitivity signals that the teeth have been affected well below the surface.
Damage to Dental Work
As the grinding continues, teeth lose their structural strength. Even biting into something as simple as a piece of bread with a hard crust can result in cracks or breaks. Teeth weakened by bruxism are far more prone to sudden fractures and may need restorative care.
Crowns, fillings, and implants aren’t built to withstand extreme grinding forces. Over time, clenching can dislodge a crown, fracture a filling, or put stress on an implant. If you’ve had dental work done, bruxism can shorten its lifespan and increase the need for repeat procedures.
How Queen City Family Dentistry Can Help
At Queen City Family Dentistry, we take a comprehensive approach to managing bruxism and protecting your oral health.
We start with a complete examination to look for early signs of bruxism. If we spot any indicators, we explain what they mean and discuss how untreated bruxism can impact your smile and overall health. If your case requires additional support, we will connect you with trusted specialists. We may refer you to a prosthodontist or orthodontist for a custom night guard, bite realignment, or orthodontic treatment.
Bruxism can change over time, so we schedule regular checkups to monitor your progress. At each visit, we assess your teeth and jaw, update your care plan as necessary, and ensure you’re receiving the right support to manage your symptoms effectively.
Let’s Create a Personalized Plan To Manage Your Bruxism
If you’re noticing jaw pain, headaches, or worn teeth, early evaluation makes all the difference. At Queen City Family Dentistry, we know what to look for and how to help. Schedule an appointment with our team today.
We’ll assess your oral health, spot the signs of bruxism early, and create a personalized plan to protect your teeth and relieve discomfort. Don’t wait for small habits to turn into bigger problems—let’s keep your smile healthy and strong.
