Did You Know Bruxism Can Lead to Cracked Teeth?

Posted on 12/21/2020 by Pacific Oral and Facial Surgery Center

Bruxism refers to grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw. It is a very common habit affecting both adults and children, and it can occur either while you are awake or while you sleep. If you are one of the hundreds of thousands of Americans who suffer from bruxism, you are probably already aware of some of the uncomfortable issues that can result from grinding and clenching your teeth, such as jaw pain, facial soreness, headaches, neck pain, and more. But did you know that over time, bruxism can also contribute to cracked teeth?

How Bruxism Leads to Cracked Teeth

Our teeth are strong, but they are not invincible. Whether you grind your teeth during the day or while you are asleep, the excessive force causes small fractures in the enamel of your teeth. These fractures continue to spread through your tooth and to the root, until the tooth eventually cracks. Similarly, your teeth can also crack from chewing on ice, pencils, or other hard objects.

Grinding and clenching your teeth also causes them to wear down over time. Worn down, weakened teeth are much more susceptible to damage and decay than strong, healthy teeth. Teeth that are worn down can also be painful when you bite or chew, and are more difficult to clean, which increases your risk for cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease.

How to Treat Bruxism and Cracked Teeth

It is important to treat a cracked tooth as soon as possible to prevent serious complications such as infection from occurring. Cracked teeth can be treated using dental bonding, crowns, veneers, and other options; the size and severity of the crack will determine which treatment is appropriate for you. If you have a cracked tooth, or you grind your teeth and want to prevent cracked teeth, our team of professionals can help. Call our office to learn more.

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Dental Blog | Livermore & Tracy CA | Michael Beckley DDS
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Pacific Oral and Facial Surgery Center, 1133 E Stanley Blvd #215, Livermore, CA 94550 | 925-290-7727 | pacificofs.com | 9/7/2024 | Page Keywords: oral surgeon Livermore |