Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can lead to teeth wearing flat and becoming chipped due to the excessive and repetitive forces applied to the teeth. Here's how this process occurs:
1. Excessive Force:
- When grinding your teeth, you exert much greater force than during normal chewing. This force can be several times higher than the normal bite force.
- This excessive force can lead to gradual wearing down of the tooth's surface, particularly the enamel.
2. Friction and Abrasion:
- The constant back-and-forth or side-to-side motion creates friction between the teeth.
- Over time, this friction can erode the hardest outer layer of the tooth, the enamel, leading to the underlying, softer dentine becoming exposed. The dentine wears away more easily, accelerating the process.
3. Flattening of Teeth:
- As the enamel wears down, teeth can lose their natural contours and cusps, leading to a flattening of the biting surfaces.
- Flattened teeth can alter the bite and put additional strain on the jaw and temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
4. Chipping and Cracking:
- The intense pressure and grinding motion can cause chips and cracks in the teeth, especially in areas weakened by previous dental work or decay.
- Teeth with existing fillings or crowns are more susceptible to damage because the materials used in these restorations may not withstand the forces of grinding as well as natural tooth enamel.
5. Increased Sensitivity:
- As enamel wears down and dentin is exposed, teeth can become more sensitive to temperature, pressure, and sweetness, causing discomfort.
6. Complications:
- If left unchecked, the ongoing wear and tear from bruxism can lead to more severe dental issues, such as increased risk of cavities, toothache, and even tooth loss.
- It can also contribute to disorders of the TMJ, leading to pain, clicking sounds, or difficulty in moving the jaw.
Preventing and treating bruxism involves a variety of approaches, including stress reduction techniques, using a night guard to protect the teeth, and addressing any underlying dental or health issues. Regular dental check-ups are important for anyone experiencing symptoms of bruxism to monitor the condition and prevent further damage to the teeth.
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